definitions

applicable

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

applying or capable of being applied; relevant; suitable; appropriate: an applicable rule; a solution that is applicable to the problem.

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RELATED WORDS

relevant, pertinent, germane, suited, useful, suitable, apposite, apropos, apt, befitting, felicitous, fit, fitting, kosher, legit, material, applicative, applicatory, associable

Nearby words

appleton, sir edward victor, appley, appliance, appliance garage, applicability, applicable, applicant, application, application program, applications package, applicative

Origin of applicable

1400–50; < Latin applic(āre) to apply + -able, or < Middle French applicable, Medieval Latin applicābilis; replacing late Middle English appliable
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for applicable

British Dictionary definitions for applicable

applicable

/ (ˈæplɪkəbəl, əˈplɪkə-) /

adjective

being appropriate or relevant; able to be applied; fitting
Derived Formsapplicability or applicableness, nounapplicably, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for applicable

applicable

adj.

1560s, "pliable," with -able + Latin applicare (see apply). Meaning "capable of being applied" is from 1650s; earlier in this sense was appliable (mid-15c.).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper