applicable
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of applicable
First recorded in 1400–50; from Latin applic(āre) “to apply ” + -able, or from Middle French applicable, Medieval Latin applicābilis; replacing late Middle English appliable
Explanation
If something's applicable, it matters in a certain case: it's relevant. If we're going to have rules, shouldn't they be applicable to everyone? Is the idea that there's only one correct way to pronounce a word applicable when it comes to applicable? There's some disagreement about this among the experts, but you'll hear people pronounce applicable two ways: with emphasis on “app” or with emphasis on “plic.” So take your pick and use this word confidently wherever it's applicable.
Vocabulary lists containing applicable
Power Suffix: -able
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-able
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Ten Words from The New York Times - Apr. 24, 2013
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nvidia has said it complies with applicable export laws and that there is no evidence its chips have been smuggled into China.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
The company expects its full-year gold by-product costs applicable to sales to be $925 per ounce.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026
Your father-in-law’s capital gain on the home sale is well below the applicable exclusion.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 22, 2026
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a certificate confirming the largest plane in the MAX family "complies with all applicable design and safety requirements," a Department of Transportation press release said.
From Barron's ● Oct. 20, 2026
Smart-Think Management Principles are applicable across the board.
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
