Approval vs. Accord: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Approval" refers to the act of agreeing with or accepting something as satisfactory, while "Accord" denotes agreement or harmony between people or things.
Key Differences
"Approval" and "Accord" are both nouns that connote agreement, but they emphasize different facets of this concept. "Approval" is a confirmation or sanction, often implying a hierarchical or evaluative relationship. For instance, an employee might seek a manager's "Approval" for a project, indicating a validation process where one party assesses another's proposal or action.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
On the other hand, "Accord" is typically mutual, suggesting harmony or congruence between parties or things. It doesn't necessarily possess the evaluative dimension seen in "Approval." When nations sign an "Accord," it's an agreement formed through negotiations where both parties reach common ground. There isn't a hierarchy; instead, there's mutual consent.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Furthermore, "Approval" is often more personal and can be based on subjective judgment. One might gain or not gain social "Approval" based on personal choices, such as career or fashion. Conversely, "Accord" has a more formal and objective tone. In legal contexts, an "Accord" refers to an agreement that settles a debt obligation.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Another distinction is in their adaptability as verbs. While "Approval" is primarily a noun, "Accord" can function as both a noun and a verb. You might "accord" someone respect, meaning you grant or bestow it. In summary, while both terms revolve around the theme of agreement, "Approval" suggests validation, whereas "Accord" emphasizes harmony and mutual agreement.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
The act of agreeing with or accepting something as satisfactory.
Agreement or harmony between people or things.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
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Implication
Suggests validation or sanction.
Emphasizes harmony and mutual agreement.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Typical Context
Hierarchical or evaluative relationships.
Mutual agreements, often formal or between equal parties.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Function in a Sentence
Primarily a noun.
Can function as both a noun and a verb.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Approval and Accord Definitions
Approval
The act of validating or endorsing.
The document awaits the manager's approval.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 25, 2023
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Accord
Harmony or agreement in feeling or opinion.
The team worked in perfect accord.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Accord
To grant or bestow.
The teacher accorded the student special privileges.
Harlon Moss
Sep 25, 2023
Approval
Agreement with or acceptance of something.
The proposal was met with widespread approval.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
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Approval
Confirmation or sanction.
The project got the financial approval to proceed.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Accord
To give or grant, especially as being due or appropriate
Accorded the president the proper deference.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Approval
A feeling of pleasure or satisfaction.
She looked at her work with approval.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Accord
A settlement or compromise between conflicting parties
The strikers and the owners reached an accord.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Approval
An expression granting permission; an indication of agreement with a proposal; an acknowledgement that a person, thing, or event meets requirements.
I need to get an approval on this purchase order.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
Spontaneous or voluntary desire to take a certain action
The children returned on their own accord. He confessed of his own accord.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Approval
An expression of favorable acceptance and encouragement; a compliment that also condones.
Words of approval never seem to come from him.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Approval
Something mailed by a seller to a collector to match their stated interests; the collector can approve of or return the item.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Approval
Approbation; sanction.
A censor . . . without whose approval n capital sentences are to be executed.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
Agreement or harmony of things in general.
The accord of light and shade in painting
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Approval
The formal act of giving approval;
He gave the project his blessing
His decision merited the approval of any sensible person
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Approval
A feeling of liking something or someone good;
Although she fussed at them, she secretly viewed all her children with approval
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
(legal) An agreement between parties in controversy, by which satisfaction for an injury is stipulated, and which, when executed, prevents a lawsuit.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
(international law) An international agreement.
The Geneva Accord of 1954 ended the French-Indochinese War.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Approval
A message expressing a favorable opinion;
Words of approval seldom passed his lips
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
Voluntary or spontaneous impulse to act.
Nobody told me to do it. I did it of my own accord.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
(transitive) To make to agree or correspond; to suit one thing to another; to adjust.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
(transitive) To bring (people) to an agreement; to reconcile, settle, adjust or harmonize.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
(intransitive) To agree or correspond; to be in harmony; to be concordant.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
Agreement or concurrence of opinion, will, or action; harmony of mind; consent; assent.
A mediator of an accord and peace between them.
These all continued with one accord in prayer.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
Harmony of sounds; agreement in pitch and tone; concord; as, the accord of tones.
Those sweet accords are even the angels' lays.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
Agreement, harmony, or just correspondence of things; as, the accord of light and shade in painting.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
Voluntary or spontaneous motion or impulse to act; - preceded by own; as, of one's own accord.
That which groweth of its own accord of thy harvest thou shalt not reap.
Of his own accord he went unto you.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
An agreement between parties in controversy, by which satisfaction for an injury is stipulated, and which, when executed, bars a suit.
They rushed with one accord into the theater.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
To make to agree or correspond; to suit one thing to another; to adjust; - followed by to.
Her hands accorded the lute's music to the voice.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
To bring to an agreement, as persons; to reconcile; to settle, adjust, harmonize, or compose, as things; as, to accord suits or controversies.
When they were accorded from the fray.
All which particulars, being confessedly knotty and difficult can never be accorded but by a competent stock of critical learning.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
To grant as suitable or proper; to concede; to award; as, to accord to one due praise.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
To agree; to correspond; to be in harmony; - followed by with, formerly also by to; as, his disposition accords with his looks.
My heart accordeth with my tongue.
Thy actions to thy words accord.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
Harmony of people's opinions or actions or characters;
The two parties were in agreement
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 01, 2023
Accord
An official agreement between parties.
The two countries signed a peace accord.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Accord
Voluntary or spontaneous action or movement.
The donation was given of his own accord.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
FAQs
Can "Approval" be implicit?
Yes, "Approval" can be implied through actions or non-verbal cues.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is "Approval" always positive?
Generally, "Approval" denotes a positive agreement, but it's context-dependent.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
What's a synonym for "Accord" in the context of agreement?
A synonym could be "pact" or "treaty."
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Does "Accord" always mean both parties are happy?
Not necessarily; it means they've reached an agreement, but compromises might be involved.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Which term, "Approval" or "Accord," is more formal?
Both can be formal, but "Accord" often appears in more official or legal contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Is "Approval" only for formal settings?
No, it can be in informal contexts, like seeking friends' approval on a choice.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Accord" mean giving someone respect?
Yes, as a verb, "accord" can mean granting someone respect.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Can "Accord" be a treaty between nations?
Yes, nations often sign "Accords" as formal agreements or treaties.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Does "Approval" always require explicit communication?
Not always; sometimes "Approval" can be inferred from context.
Janet White
Sep 25, 2023
Is seeking "Approval" always hierarchical?
Often it is, especially in contexts like workplaces, but not always, such as seeking peer approval.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
Can nations be in "Accord" on an issue without a formal agreement?
Yes, they can be in harmony or agreement on a stance without an official document.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Is "Approval" a binary concept (either you approve or you don't)?
Generally, yes, but there can be degrees of approval based on context.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
In what contexts might you find "Accord" used?
Legal, diplomatic, and situations where mutual agreement is emphasized.
Sara Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Which word might relate more to personal feelings: "Approval" or "Accord"?
"Approval" often has a more personal, subjective dimension.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 25, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
