applied
Americanadjective
-
having a practical purpose or use; derived from or involved with actual phenomena (distinguished from theoretical,opposed to pure).
applied mathematics; applied science.
-
of or relating to those arts or crafts that have a primarily utilitarian function, or to the designs and decorations used in these arts.
Her goal was to integrate aesthetics into everyday life through an applied art, particularly with her hand-painted dinner plates.
adjective
Other Word Forms
- unapplied adjective
- well-applied adjective
Etymology
Origin of applied
Explanation
Something applied is practical, having to do with real-world situations and problems. Applied physics puts physics into use. If you have a mysterious lump, thank applied physics for the MRI the doctor uses to look inside your body. To apply is to make use of something, like applying a coat of paint. The past participle, applied describes things related to solving concrete problems, rather than dealing with ideas, principles, or philosophy. Applied chemistry, applied physics, and the applied sciences as a whole have to do with real-world issues. The opposite of applied is theoretical, which is only concerned with ideas.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The same feeling applied to our fans, and it all meant the magic of the FA Cup really struck me leading up to our semi-final weekend.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
When Army veteran Javier Cigarroa decided to study automotive technology, he applied to UTI and the Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology, a state-operated school where programs typically cost less than $10,000, including supplies.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
The team now plans to test smaller and non-enveloped viruses to determine how broadly the technology can be applied.
From Science Daily • Apr. 22, 2026
In the meantime, BYD has applied to join the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association.
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026
If you’ve got an equation that tells you about the force that is being applied on an object, the differential equation reveals exactly how the object moves.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
