apply

American  

[uh-plahy] / əˈplaɪ /

verb (used with object)

applied, applying

1. to make use of as relevant, suitable, or pertinent.

   to apply a theory to a problem.

2. to put to use, especially for a particular purpose.

   to apply pressure to open a door.

3. to bring into action; use; employ.

   He applied the brakes and skidded to a stop.

   Synonyms:

   utilize

4. to use a label or other designation.

   Don't apply any such term to me.

5. to use for or assign to a specific purpose.

   He applied a portion of his salary each week to savings.

   Synonyms:

   dedicate, assign, allot, appropriate

6. to put into effect.

   They applied the rules to new members only.

7. to devote or employ diligently or with close attention.

   to apply one's mind to a problem;

   to apply oneself to a task.

8. to place in contact with; lay or spread on.

   to apply paint to a wall;

   to apply a bandage to a wound.

9. to bring into physical contact with or close proximity to.

   to apply a match to gunpowder.

10. to credit to, as an account.

    to apply $10 to his account at the store.

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verb (used without object)

applied, applying

1. to be pertinent, suitable, or relevant.

   The argument applies to the case.

   The theory doesn't apply.

2. to make an application or request; ask.

   to apply for a job;

   to apply for a raise.

   Synonyms:

   entreat, sue, petition

3. to lay or spread on.

   The plastic coating is easy to apply on any surface.

4. to be placed or remain in contact.

   This paint doesn't apply very easily.

apply British  

/ əˈplaɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to put to practical use; utilize; employ

2. (intr) to be relevant, useful, or appropriate

3. (tr) to cause to come into contact with; put onto

4. to put in an application or request

5. to devote (oneself, one's efforts) with diligence

6. (tr) to bring into operation or use

   the police only applied the law to aliens

7. (tr) to refer (a word, epithet, etc) to a person or thing

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Other Word Forms

• appliable adjective
• appliableness noun
• appliably adverb
• applier noun
• preapply verb (used with object)
• reapply verb
• unappliable adjective
• unappliably adverb

Etymology

Origin of apply

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ap(p)lien, from Anglo-French, Old French ap(p)lier, from Latin applicāre, equivalent to ap- ap- ¹ ( def. ) + plicāre “to fold”; see ply ² ( def. )

Explanation

Apply means to put on a surface, like to apply makeup to your face before work. Apply also means to ask in a formal way. Long before you applied the makeup, you had to apply for the job. You can apply the word apply to many situations, including when you make use of something — like when you apply the brakes on a car. Apply also means to really put effort into a task, like to apply yourself to learning Greek or reaching the next level on your favorite video game. But then again, maybe those examples don’t apply.

Example Sentences

Other Innovator strategies are followed by individual ETFs that apply downside buffers and adjust their levels of upside capture quarterly.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Any eviction notices issued before the end of April 2026 still apply.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

The same people who argue that corporations can absorb the loss wouldn’t apply that logic to people they know.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Several US states have passed laws prohibiting such use, though many apply primarily to malicious or commercial exploitation.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Duane watched him pick up a small, thin piece of wood and apply splotches of different colored goo along the border.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

Related Words

• administer
• employ
• exercise
• handle
• implement
• practice