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.
Like HSBC, though, Abouhossein thinks many of the positive trends detected in the U.S. are applicable in Europe too.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026
In response, Sanofi said it is confident that it has acted, and continues to act, in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulation, including competition rules.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
“Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis based on the clinical circumstances and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.”
From Slate ● Jun. 23, 2026
Castlelake said it had proposed an ownership structure which was a "deliverable solution to ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements."
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2026
This particular case study on West African music relies solely on aural learning, which means that a rote method is applicable to the music learning.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions 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.
