applied
Americanadjective
-
having a practical purpose or use; derived from or involved with actual phenomena (theoretical,pure ).
applied mathematics; applied science.
-
of or relating to those arts or crafts that have a primarily utilitarian function, or to the designs and decorations used in these arts.
Her goal was to integrate aesthetics into everyday life through an applied art, particularly with her hand-painted dinner plates.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- unapplied adjective
- well-applied adjective
Etymology
Origin of applied
Explanation
Something applied is practical, having to do with real-world situations and problems. Applied physics puts physics into use. If you have a mysterious lump, thank applied physics for the MRI the doctor uses to look inside your body. To apply is to make use of something, like applying a coat of paint. The past participle, applied describes things related to solving concrete problems, rather than dealing with ideas, principles, or philosophy. Applied chemistry, applied physics, and the applied sciences as a whole have to do with real-world issues. The opposite of applied is theoretical, which is only concerned with ideas.
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 FDA formally recognized the dye as a carcinogen in 1990, banning its use in cosmetics and externally applied drugs.
From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026
When a magnetic field is applied, it interacts with this motion, creating a directional effect that produces the observed halo pattern.
From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026
It can be applied to individual securities, funds and indexes, and other assets, and over all charted time frames.
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
Mr. Naiden seems unwilling to admit that such funds are applied to purposes he endorses, such as wages, safety and upgrades.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
He had applied to Congress for a patent on a steam engine he’d made to run a boat.
From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham
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.
