applicable [ap -li-kuh -buh l, uh -plik -uh -] SYNONYMS | WORD ORIGIN
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 forms ap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty , ap·pli·ca·ble·ness , noun ap·pli·ca·bly , adverb non·ap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty , noun non·ap·pli·ca·ble , adjective non·ap·pli·ca·ble·ness , noun un·ap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty , noun un·ap·pli·ca·ble , adjective un·ap·pli·ca·ble·ness , noun un·ap·pli·ca·bly , adverb Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for applicableness adjective being appropriate or relevant; able to be applied; fitting
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Derived Forms applicability or applicableness , noun applicably , adverb Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for applicableness 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.).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper