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

Derived Forms

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

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.

Related Words

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