apply

[ uh-plahy ]

/ əˈplaɪ /

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.

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.

Nearby words

applied kinematics, applied linguistics, applique, appliqued, appliqué, apply, appmt., appoggiatura, appoint, appointed, appointee

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

SYNONYMS FOR apply

3 utilize.

5 appropriate, allot, assign, dedicate.

12 petition, sue, entreat.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR apply ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

ap·pli·a·ble, adjectiveap·pli·a·ble·ness, nounap·pli·a·bly, adverbap·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, adjectiveun·ap·pli·a·bly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for applying

But Cosby Truthers are applying their principles to the wrong cause.
Phylicia Rashad and the Cult of Cosby Truthers|Stereo Williams|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
“You are applying Western metrics to someone who is not using that metric against you,” referring to ISIS, Bolger said.
Pentagon Doesn’t Know How Many People It’s Killed in the ISIS War|Nancy A. Youssef|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In fact, Sikhs are even discriminated against when applying to join the NYPD because of their turbans and beards.
New York’s Sikhs Need Their Own Al Sharpton|Dean Obeidallah|August 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Applying the apartheid label is incorrect—and is also confusing because it obscures the tyranny which is in force.
Don’t Accuse Israel of Apartheid|Benjamin Pogrund|July 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST

He and his cohorts practiced “psychogeography,” taking maps of other cities and applying them to their own.
Discovering Underground Labyrinths, Remote Cities, and More of the World’s Lost Places|Nina Strochlic|July 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But the ironmasters were now skeptical, and refused to be again inveigled into applying for licenses.
Every-day Science: Volume VI. The Conquest of Nature|Henry Smith Williams
Applying them again to his eyes, his frown became still darker.
The Eagle Cliff|R.M. Ballantyne
For some time he was incapable of applying to study or business.
The Sonnets, Triumphs, and Other Poems of Petrarch|Petrarch
This was a set-back to Jerry, who hated everything yellow, and who had never dreamed of applying that color to her hair.
Gretchen|Mary J. Holmes
A small bristle brush is good for applying, but care must be used as in using glue not to use too much of the syrup.
Candy-Making Revolutionized|Mary Elizabeth Hall

British Dictionary definitions for applying

apply

/ (əˈplaɪ) /

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 usethe police only applied the law to aliens

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

Derived Formsapplier, 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 Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for applying

apply

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.

apply

verb (used with object), ap·plied, ap·ply·ing.

verb (used without object), ap·plied, ap·ply·ing.

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Origin of apply

Examples from the Web for applying

British Dictionary definitions for applying

apply

verb -plies, -plying or -plied

Word Origin for apply

Word Origin and History for applying

apply