apply

[ uh-plahy ]

/ əˈplaɪ /

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See synonyms for: apply / applied / applying 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.

OTHER WORDS FOR apply

3 utilize.

5 appropriate, allot, assign, dedicate.

12 petition, sue, entreat.

See synonyms for apply on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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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

OTHER WORDS FROM apply

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. 2023

How to use apply in a sentence

They should also consider more flexible criteria that different countries can meet and be able to apply for funding.
Natural disasters are increasing. The world’s poorest are left to fend for themselves.|Jariel Arvin|November 20, 2020|Vox
She had applied for, but did not get, the hockey video coach job.
Emily Engel-Natzke’s dad was her ‘biggest fan.’ He died of covid-19 before her hockey triumph.|Samantha Pell|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech announced that they will apply on Friday for an FDA emergency use authorization for their coronavirus vaccine.
Pfizer to apply for FDA emergency use authorization for coronavirus vaccine|Dan Primack|November 20, 2020|Axios
Over 90,000 students applied to take the shots before Sinopharm pulled down the portal days after putting it up.
A Chinese vaccine maker says it’s inoculated 1 million people—even though its trials are incomplete|Grady McGregor|November 20, 2020|Fortune

That’s unless the committee chooses to make it clear right now that, yet again, non-Power Five schools need not apply for a spot in the four-team playoff.
Cincinnati and BYU are making a case for the College Football Playoff. Is anyone listening?|John Feinstein|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
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
When the fast food giant announced a merger with a Canadian chain, politicians wasted no time applying the special sauce.
The Democrats Have Found a New Boogeyman, and It’s Burger King|Tim Mak|August 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In fact Palestinians, gay or straight, are barred from even applying for refugee status in Israel.
Gay Palestinians In Israel: The 'Invisible Men'|Itay Hod|August 13, 2014|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
Little did Tressan dream to what a cask of gunpowder he was applying the match of his smug pertness.
St. Martin's Summer|Rafael Sabatini
The financial condition of the applying bank or trust company and the general character of its management.
Readings in Money and Banking|Chester Arthur Phillips
If sewage is to be used at all, there seems little doubt that it must be by applying it entire, and in the liquid state.
Elements of Agricultural Chemistry|Thomas Anderson
Some care, however, is necessary in applying this test, as in the hands of inexperienced persons it is sometimes fallacious.
Elements of Agricultural Chemistry|Thomas Anderson
The courts are constantly applying it, and in doing so are putting their meaning or interpretation on the words of the statute.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman|Albert Sidney Bolles

British Dictionary definitions for apply

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 forms of apply

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

apply

OTHER WORDS FOR apply

Origin of apply

OTHER WORDS FROM apply

Words related to apply

How to use apply in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for apply

Derived forms of apply

Word Origin for apply