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.
Instead, the survivor generally receives their own benefit or an eligible survivor benefit, with the applicable rules determining the amount payable.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026
The bank posted net income applicable to shareholders of $1.61 billion, or $2.34 a share, up from $1.34 billion, or $1.88 a share, in the same quarter a year earlier.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026
In a statement, a Stanford spokesperson said the campus “complies with all applicable visa laws, including those relating to J-1 visas. We will cooperate with the investigation.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026
If applicable, this would mean a judgement on the sanction must come no later than January.
From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026
For a point of objection, however eloquent, is only as good as it is applicable.
From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
