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Imprimatur

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Imprimatur, n.

Pronunciation: ˌimprəˈmädər, imˈpriməˌto͝or

Meaning: This word originally referred to an official license by the Roman Catholic Church to print an ecclesiastical or religious book of some kind, one that was deemed to hold no doctrinal errors; thus, the word, coming from the Latin, meant “Let it be printed.” Over time, it has taken on a more figurative meaning, basically referring to any formal approval, endorsement, or sanction from an authority.

Usage:

  • “The project received the CEO’s imprimatur.”
  • “The policy was implemented with the imprimatur of the government.”
  • “The original LP enjoyed the imprimatur of the composer.”
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Ara Norwood is a multi-faceted and results-oriented professional. Spanning a multiplicity of disciplines including leadership, management, innovation, strategy, service, sales, business ethics, and entrepreneurship. Ara is also a historian, having special expertise on the era of the founding of our republic.