applicable

[ ap-li-kuh-buhl, uh-plik-uh- ]

adjective

1. applying or capable of being applied; usable:

   an applicable rule;

   a solution that is applicable to the problem.

2. appropriate or relevant; apropos; pertinent.

   Synonyms: suitable, meet, proper, fitting, befitting, apt, appropriate, relevant, relative, material, germane, apposite, fit

applicable

/ əˈplɪkə-; ˈæplɪkəbəl /

adjective

1. being appropriate or relevant; able to be applied; fitting

Derived Forms

• ˌapplicaˈbility, noun
• ˈapplicably, adverb

Other Words From

• ap·pli·ca·bil·i·ty [uh, -plik-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], ap·pli·ca·ble·ness noun
• ap·pli·ca·bly adverb
• non·ap·pli·ca·ble adjective
• non·ap·pli·ca·ble·ness noun
• un·ap·pli·ca·ble adjective
• un·ap·pli·ca·ble·ness noun
• un·ap·pli·ca·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of applicable¹

First recorded in 1400–50; from Latin applic(āre) “to apply ” + -able, or from Middle French applicable, Medieval Latin applicābilis; replacing late Middle English appliable

Example Sentences

This means that cell density is a broadly applicable tool for guiding both engineered and naturally occurring cells to build a vast array of structures, tissues, and organs.

From Science Daily

At the same time, the city must comply with a valid warrant issued by a federal or state judge, or any other applicable order.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, he read the screenplay with “extreme skepticism. I couldn’t imagine my aesthetic voice could be so applicable to this genre and tone and scale, even though I was a huge fan.”

From Los Angeles Times

The study contributes to a growing body of knowledge on the unintended consequences of environmental policies and offers insights applicable beyond plastic bag usage, Che said.

From Science Daily

This spring, as his trial neared, they denounced him as “a serial tax cheat who has built his staffing empire around the chronic failure of his companies to pay applicable federal payroll taxes.”

From New York Times

Related Words

• germane
• pertinent
• relevant
• suitable
• suited
• useful