Approval vs. Accord: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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.
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.
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
The act of agreeing with or accepting something as satisfactory.
Agreement or harmony between people or things.
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Implication
Suggests validation or sanction.
Emphasizes harmony and mutual agreement.
Typical Context
Hierarchical or evaluative relationships.
Mutual agreements, often formal or between equal parties.
Tone
Can be more personal and subjective.
More formal and objective.
Function in a Sentence
Primarily a noun.
Can function as both a noun and a verb.
Approval and Accord Definitions
Approval
The act of validating or endorsing.
The document awaits the manager's approval.
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Accord
Harmony or agreement in feeling or opinion.
The team worked in perfect accord.
Approval
Favorable opinion or esteem.
He gained the approval of his peers.
Accord
To grant or bestow.
The teacher accorded the student special privileges.
Approval
Agreement with or acceptance of something.
The proposal was met with widespread approval.
Accord
To be in agreement or harmony.
His story accords with the facts.
Approval
Confirmation or sanction.
The project got the financial approval to proceed.
Accord
To give or grant, especially as being due or appropriate
Accorded the president the proper deference.
Approval
A feeling of pleasure or satisfaction.
She looked at her work with approval.
Accord
(Archaic) To cause to conform or agree; bring into harmony.
Approval
The act or an instance of approving.
Accord
To be in agreement, unity, or harmony.
Approval
An official approbation; a sanction.
Accord
Agreement; harmony
Act in accord with university policies.
Approval
Favorable regard; commendation.
Accord
A settlement or compromise between conflicting parties
The strikers and the owners reached an accord.
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.
Accord
Spontaneous or voluntary desire to take a certain action
The children returned on their own accord. He confessed of his own accord.
Approval
An expression of favorable acceptance and encouragement; a compliment that also condones.
Words of approval never seem to come from him.
Accord
Agreement or concurrence of opinion, will, or action.
Approval
Something mailed by a seller to a collector to match their stated interests; the collector can approve of or return the item.
Accord
A harmony in sound, pitch and tone; concord.
Approval
Approbation; sanction.
A censor . . . without whose approval n capital sentences are to be executed.
Accord
Agreement or harmony of things in general.
The accord of light and shade in painting
Approval
The formal act of giving approval;
He gave the project his blessing
His decision merited the approval of any sensible person
Accord
A distinctive mixture of fragrances or the odor thereof.
Approval
A feeling of liking something or someone good;
Although she fussed at them, she secretly viewed all her children with approval
Accord
(legal) An agreement between parties in controversy, by which satisfaction for an injury is stipulated, and which, when executed, prevents a lawsuit.
Approval
Acceptance as satisfactory;
He bought it on approval
Accord
(international law) An international agreement.
The Geneva Accord of 1954 ended the French-Indochinese War.
Approval
A message expressing a favorable opinion;
Words of approval seldom passed his lips
Accord
(obsolete) Assent
Accord
Voluntary or spontaneous impulse to act.
Nobody told me to do it. I did it of my own accord.
Accord
(transitive) To make to agree or correspond; to suit one thing to another; to adjust.
Accord
(transitive) To bring (people) to an agreement; to reconcile, settle, adjust or harmonize.
Accord
(intransitive) To agree or correspond; to be in harmony; to be concordant.
Accord
(intransitive) To agree in pitch and tone.
Accord
To grant as suitable or proper; to concede or award.
Accord
To give consent.
Accord
To arrive at an agreement.
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.
Accord
Harmony of sounds; agreement in pitch and tone; concord; as, the accord of tones.
Those sweet accords are even the angels' lays.
Accord
Agreement, harmony, or just correspondence of things; as, the accord of light and shade in painting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accord
To grant as suitable or proper; to concede; to award; as, to accord to one due praise.
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.
Accord
To agree in pitch and tone.
Accord
Harmony of people's opinions or actions or characters;
The two parties were in agreement
Accord
Concurrence of opinion;
We are in accord with your proposal
Accord
A written agreement between two states or sovereigns
Accord
Sympathetic compatibility
Accord
Go together;
The colors don't harmonize
Their ideas concorded
Accord
Allow to have;
Grant a privilege
Accord
An official agreement between parties.
The two countries signed a peace accord.
Accord
Voluntary or spontaneous action or movement.
The donation was given of his own accord.
FAQs
Can "Approval" be implicit?
Yes, "Approval" can be implied through actions or non-verbal cues.
Is "Approval" always positive?
Generally, "Approval" denotes a positive agreement, but it's context-dependent.
What's a synonym for "Accord" in the context of agreement?
A synonym could be "pact" or "treaty."
Does "Accord" always mean both parties are happy?
Not necessarily; it means they've reached an agreement, but compromises might be involved.
Which term, "Approval" or "Accord," is more formal?
Both can be formal, but "Accord" often appears in more official or legal contexts.
Is "Approval" only for formal settings?
No, it can be in informal contexts, like seeking friends' approval on a choice.
Can "Accord" mean giving someone respect?
Yes, as a verb, "accord" can mean granting someone respect.
Can "Accord" be a treaty between nations?
Yes, nations often sign "Accords" as formal agreements or treaties.
Does "Approval" always require explicit communication?
Not always; sometimes "Approval" can be inferred from context.
Is seeking "Approval" always hierarchical?
Often it is, especially in contexts like workplaces, but not always, such as seeking peer approval.
Can "Accord" function as a verb?
Yes, as in "I accord you this honor."
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.
Is "Approval" a binary concept (either you approve or you don't)?
Generally, yes, but there can be degrees of approval based on context.
In what contexts might you find "Accord" used?
Legal, diplomatic, and situations where mutual agreement is emphasized.
Which word might relate more to personal feelings: "Approval" or "Accord"?
"Approval" often has a more personal, subjective dimension.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
