applicable

[ap-li-kuh-buhl, uh-plik-uh-]

adjective

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

Origin of applicable

1400–50; < Latin applic(āre) to apply + -able, or < Middle French applicable, Medieval Latin applicābilis; replacing late Middle English appliable

Related formsap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty, ap·pli·ca·ble·ness, nounap·pli·ca·bly, adverbnon·ap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty, nounnon·ap·pli·ca·ble, adjectivenon·ap·pli·ca·ble·ness, nounun·ap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty, nounun·ap·pli·ca·ble, adjectiveun·ap·pli·ca·ble·ness, nounun·ap·pli·ca·bly, adverb

Synonyms for applicable

fitting, proper, germane, pertinent.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

British Dictionary definitions for applicableness

applicable

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 applicableness

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.).