applicable

American  

[ap-li-kuh-buhl, uh-plik-uh-] / ˈæp lɪ kə bəl, əˈplɪk ə- /

adjective

1. applying or capable of being applied; usable.

   an applicable rule;

   a solution that is applicable to the problem.

2. appropriate or relevant; apropos; pertinent.

   Synonyms:

   suitable, meet, proper, fitting, fit, befitting, apt, appropriate, relevant, relative, material, germane, apposite

---

applicable British  

/ əˈplɪkə-, ˈæplɪkəbəl /

adjective

1. being appropriate or relevant; able to be applied; fitting

---

Other Word Forms

• applicability noun
• applicableness noun
• applicably adverb
• nonapplicable adjective
• nonapplicableness noun
• unapplicable adjective
• unapplicableness noun
• unapplicably adverb

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

Example Sentences

Do your regular programs that are applicable to everybody but do them very well.

From The Wall Street Journal

That one doesn’t seem as applicable to the stock market, but let’s see what the rest of February brings.

From Barron's

“It is critical that examiners be allowed to evaluate banks’ safety and soundness and their compliance with applicable laws and regulations without fear or favor,” the letter said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another important PSI tactic, one particularly applicable to ghost-fleet tankers, is the concept of stateless vessels.

From The Wall Street Journal

“They’ve got just an athleticism that is very applicable to pushing sleds.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• germane
• pertinent
• relevant
• suitable
• suited
• useful