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.
Some hedge-fund managers say they couldn’t recall when the short-swing profit rule had last been invoked, even indicating uncertainty over how the mechanics of any disgorgement of applicable profits would be administered.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026
Meta said Monday that "the transaction complied fully with applicable law", and "we anticipate an appropriate resolution".
From Barron's • Apr. 28, 2026
A Meta spokesperson told the BBC "the transaction complied fully with applicable law".
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026
The political, economic and military considerations that discourage a prolonged confrontation in the Persian Gulf are still applicable and other more supportive drivers are coming into view, they add.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 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.
