apply
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to make use of as relevant, suitable, or pertinent.
to apply a theory to a problem.
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to put to use, especially for a particular purpose.
to apply pressure to open a door.
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to bring into action; use; employ.
He applied the brakes and skidded to a stop.
- Synonyms:
- utilize
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to use a label or other designation.
Don't apply any such term to me.
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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
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to put into effect.
They applied the rules to new members only.
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to devote or employ diligently or with close attention.
to apply one's mind to a problem;
to apply oneself to a task.
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to place in contact with; lay or spread on.
to apply paint to a wall;
to apply a bandage to a wound.
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to bring into physical contact with or close proximity to.
to apply a match to gunpowder.
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to credit to, as an account.
to apply $10 to his account at the store.
verb (used without object)
-
to be pertinent, suitable, or relevant.
The argument applies to the case.
The theory doesn't apply.
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to make an application or request; ask.
to apply for a job;
to apply for a raise.
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to lay or spread on.
The plastic coating is easy to apply on any surface.
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to be placed or remain in contact.
This paint doesn't apply very easily.
verb
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(tr) to put to practical use; utilize; employ
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(intr) to be relevant, useful, or appropriate
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(tr) to cause to come into contact with; put onto
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to put in an application or request
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to devote (oneself, one's efforts) with diligence
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(tr) to bring into operation or use
the police only applied the law to aliens
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(tr) to refer (a word, epithet, etc) to a person or thing
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”; ply 2 ( def. )
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.
Many small and midsize businesses are unaware they qualify for R&D tax breaks, which apply to various industries beyond traditional science.
From Barron's
After frantic work in the garage, Mercedes managed to fix Russell's car by applying a series of default procedures such as switching the car off and on again and swapping out the steering wheel.
From BBC
However, the same consistency does not seem to apply to the DNA that controls when genes turn on or off.
From Science Daily
"I think that may be true, but I don't know if that applies. I'm trying to build a service here."
From BBC
Testosterone patches in the right dose applied to the skin might help, Laumet said.
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.
