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apply

[uh-plahy]
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verb (used with object), ap·plied, ap·ply·ing.
  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.
  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.
  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), ap·plied, ap·ply·ing.
  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.
  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.
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Origin of apply

1350–1400; Middle English ap(p)lien < Anglo-French, Old French ap(p)lier < Latin applicāre, equivalent to ap- ap-1 + plicāre to fold; see ply2
Related formsap·pli·a·ble, adjectiveap·pli·a·ble·ness, nounap·pli·a·bly, adverbap·pli·er, nounpre·ap·ply, verb (used with object), pre·ap·plied, pre·ap·ply·ing.re·ap·ply, verb, re·ap·plied, re·ap·ply·ing.un·ap·pli·a·ble, adjectiveun·ap·pli·a·bly, adverb

Synonyms

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3. utilize. 5. appropriate, allot, assign, dedicate. 12. petition, sue, entreat.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

employhandlepracticeadministerimplementexerciserelatepertaininvolveconnectaffectreferspreadcoverclaimappealdemanddevotestudygive

Examples from the Web for applying

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • And—perhaps you'd better not say you are applying until we find out if there is a vacancy.

    K

    Mary Roberts Rinehart

  • Your applying, however, to Reginald can be productive only of good to all parties.

    Lady Susan

    Jane Austen

  • Mr. Corbet can be of little service to me at present; at least I should be shy of applying.

  • Then it is iced by applying warm water with a bit of hairy deerskin.

  • I must, in applying for a place, give an account of my character and a list of my accomplishments.

    Micah Clarke

    Arthur Conan Doyle

British Dictionary definitions for applying

apply

verb -plies, -plying or -plied
  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. (intr often foll by for) to put in an application or request
  5. (tr often foll by to) to devote (oneself, one's efforts) with diligence
  6. (tr) to bring into operation or usethe police only applied the law to aliens
  7. (tr) to refer (a word, epithet, etc) to a person or thing
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Derived Formsapplier, noun

Word Origin

C14: from Old French aplier, from Latin applicāre to attach to
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for applying

apply

v.

late 14c., "to put (one's faculties, etc.) to some task or career," late 14c., from Old French aploiier "apply, use, attach" (12c., Modern French appliquer), from Latin applicare "attach to, join, connect;" figuratively, "devote (oneself) to, give attention," from ad- "to" (see ad-) + plicare "fold" (see ply (v.1)). The etymological sense is "bring things in contact with one another." Of lotions, from early 15c. Meaning "seek a job by submitting an application for one" is from 1851. A by-form applicate is recorded from 1530s. Related: Applied; applying.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper