apply

[uh-plahy]

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.

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of apply¹

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”; ply ² ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of apply¹

C14: from Old French aplier, from Latin applicāre to attach to

Example Sentences

To demonstrate their approach, the researchers applied it to a recently published GBS experiment that would take at least 9,000 years to reproduce using current supercomputers.

Read more on Science Daily

In earlier work published in Nature Neuroscience this year, Watanabe applied the method to genetically engineered mice to investigate the role of a protein called intersectin.

Read more on Science Daily

“We are applying the statutes as Congress wrote them, which are complex and sometimes require us to jump through a lot of hoops to get there.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“However, these protections were not in place. They were not applied properly and these weaknesses appear to have been pre-existing.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The levy applies to profits made from extracting UK oil and gas and is due to stay in place until 2030.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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