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.
The hospital declined to comment on Barnica’s case but said “our responsibility is to be in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations” and physicians exercise their independent judgment.
From Salon • May 27, 2026
Withdrawals from taxable investment accounts are subject to capital gains and dividend taxes when applicable, so they are not automatically tax-free.
From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026
“Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal sentencing guidelines, which take into account a number of variables,” prosecutors said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026
“The transaction complied fully with applicable law,” a Meta representative said in an email statement.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026
For a point of objection, however eloquent, is only as good as it is applicable.
From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger
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.
