Synonyms Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for apply on Thesaurus.com verb (used with object), ap·plied, ap·ply·ing. to make use of as relevant, suitable, or pertinent: to apply a theory to a problem. to put to use, especially for a particular purpose: to apply pressure to open a door. to bring into action; use; employ: He applied the brakes and skidded to a stop. to use a label or other designation: Don't apply any such term to me. to use for or assign to a specific purpose: He applied a portion of his salary each week to savings. to put into effect: They applied the rules to new members only. to devote or employ diligently or with close attention: to apply one's mind to a problem; to apply oneself to a task. to place in contact with; lay or spread on: to apply paint to a wall; to apply a bandage to a wound. to bring into physical contact with or close proximity to: to apply a match to gunpowder. to credit to, as an account: to apply $10 to his account at the store. Show More
verb (used without object), ap·plied, ap·ply·ing. to be pertinent, suitable, or relevant: The argument applies to the case. The theory doesn't apply. to make an application or request; ask: to apply for a job; to apply for a raise. to lay or spread on: The plastic coating is easy to apply on any surface. to be placed or remain in contact: This paint doesn't apply very easily. Show More
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 forms ap·pli·a·ble , adjective ap·pli·a·ble·ness , noun ap·pli·a·bly , adverb ap·pli·er , noun pre·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 , adjective un·ap·pli·a·bly , adverb Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for applying employ ,
handle ,
practice ,
administer ,
implement ,
exercise ,
relate ,
pertain ,
involve ,
connect ,
affect ,
refer ,
spread ,
cover ,
claim ,
appeal ,
demand ,
devote ,
study ,
give Examples from the Web for applying Contemporary Examples of applying But Cosby Truthers are applying their principles to the wrong cause.
“You are applying Western metrics to someone who is not using that metric against you,” referring to ISIS, Bolger said.
In fact, Sikhs are even discriminated against when applying to join the NYPD because of their turbans and beards.
Applying the apartheid label is incorrect—and is also confusing because it obscures the tyranny which is in force.
He and his cohorts practiced “psychogeography,” taking maps of other cities and applying them to their own.
Historical Examples of applying And—perhaps you'd better not say you are applying until we find out if there is a vacancy.
Your applying , however, to Reginald can be productive only of good to all parties.
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.
British Dictionary definitions for applying verb -plies , -plying or -plied (tr) to put to practical use; utilize; employ (intr) to be relevant, useful, or appropriate (tr) to cause to come into contact with; put onto (intr often foll by for ) to put in an application or request (tr often foll by to ) to devote (oneself, one's efforts) with diligence (tr) to bring into operation or use the police only applied the law to aliens (tr) to refer (a word, epithet, etc) to a person or thing Show More
Derived Forms applier , noun Word Origin for apply 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
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Word Origin and History for applying 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
