apply

[ uh-plahy ]

verb (used with object)

, ap·plied, ap·ply·ing.

1. to make use of as relevant, suitable, or pertinent:

   to apply a theory to a problem.

2. to put to use, especially for a particular purpose:

   to apply pressure to open a door.

3. to bring into action; use; employ:

   He applied the brakes and skidded to a stop.

   Synonyms: utilize

4. to use a label or other designation:

   Don't apply any such term to me.

5. to use for or assign to a specific purpose:

   He applied a portion of his salary each week to savings.

   Synonyms: dedicate, assign, allot, appropriate

6. to put into effect:

   They applied the rules to new members only.

7. to devote or employ diligently or with close attention:

   to apply one's mind to a problem;

   to apply oneself to a task.

8. to place in contact with; lay or spread on:

   to apply paint to a wall;

   to apply a bandage to a wound.

9. to bring into physical contact with or close proximity to:

   to apply a match to gunpowder.

10. to credit to, as an account:

    to apply $10 to his account at the store.

verb (used without object)

, ap·plied, ap·ply·ing.

1. to be pertinent, suitable, or relevant:

   The argument applies to the case.

   The theory doesn't apply.

2. to make an application or request; ask:

   to apply for a job;

   to apply for a raise.

   Synonyms: entreat, sue, petition

3. to lay or spread on:

   The plastic coating is easy to apply on any surface.

4. to be placed or remain in contact:

   This paint doesn't apply very easily.

apply

/ əˈplaɪ /

verb

1. tr to put to practical use; utilize; employ
2. intr to be relevant, useful, or appropriate
3. tr to cause to come into contact with; put onto
4. introften foll byfor to put in an application or request
5. troften foll byto to devote (oneself, one's efforts) with diligence
6. tr to bring into operation or use

   the police only applied the law to aliens

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

Derived Forms

• apˈplier, noun

Other Words From

• 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) preapplied preapplying
• reap·ply verb reapplied reapplying
• unap·plia·ble adjective
• unap·plia·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of apply¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ap(p)lien, from Anglo-French, Old French ap(p)lier, from Latin applicāre, equivalent to ap- ap- ¹( def ) + plicāre “to fold”; ply ²( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of apply¹

C14: from Old French aplier, from Latin applicāre to attach to

Example Sentences

“He’s been applying his bronzing cream to his face. Cute couple. Look out, Melania, Trump’s got a new squeeze named Elonia Musk.”

From Los Angeles Times

Even though if we might think that, let’s learn from it and let’s apply it moving forward.”

From Los Angeles Times

In one instance, Grasso alleged the lieutenant referred to her as an “enemy of the platoon,” a label he also applied to Colomey and others.

From Los Angeles Times

The prosecutor asked for the ban to apply to all 25 defendants.

From BBC

On Fridays, it gets rolled and chilled down, applying finishing touches on Saturday, so it’s ready to be roasted by Sunday afternoon.

From Salon

Related Words

• affect
• connect
• involve
• pertain
• refer
• relate