WordGarden.ioapply
A2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /əˈplaɪ/
Meanings
Verb
to formally request a job, place, permit, or similar opportunity
to put, spread, or press something onto a surface, body, or target
to use a rule, method, idea, or skill in practice
More meaningsFewer meanings
to be relevant, valid, or in force in a particular case
to work hard and direct your effort to a task
Beyond the definition
To apply something is fundamentally to put it to use or bring it into contact with something else, like applying paint to a canvas or applying pressure to stop bleeding. But "apply" has many talents! It frequently means to make a formal request—you apply for a job, a loan, or admission to college. Think of it as offering yourself up for consideration. You can also apply yourself, meaning to dedicate focus and effort to a task. Finally, it can mean to be relevant to a situation, as in, "Does this rule apply to me?"
The word "apply" is surprisingly versatile! At its core, it means to put something into use or action. You can apply a method to a problem—like applying logic to figure out a puzzle. You might apply a cleaning solution to a stain, or apply a bandage to a wound, physically putting it in place.
But "apply" also has a strong meaning of making a formal request. When you apply for something—a job, a visa, financial aid—you are submitting yourself as a candidate and asking to be considered. This is where the noun "application" comes from—that official form you fill out!
Beyond these two main meanings, "apply" can also mean to dedicate oneself diligently to a task. To apply yourself to your work means to focus your energy and effort toward achieving a goal. And in some contexts, it simply means "to be relevant"—like saying, "This rule doesn't apply to me."
So whether you're putting something into action, making a formal request, dedicating yourself to a task, or determining relevance—the word apply is all about bringing something into effect or consideration.
Examples
- 1
Skin treatment
Apply the cream to clean, dry skin twice a day.
- 2
Job search
I'm applying for a summer job at the museum.
- Patternapply for + opportunity
ask officially to get it
- 3
University admission
She applied to three universities last fall.
- Patternapply to + school/company
ask to be accepted there
- 4
Rules
These safety rules apply to everyone in the building.
- Patternapply to + person/group
affect or include
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Relevance
The same advice may not apply in every country.
- 6
Using knowledge
We need to apply what we learned in class to real problems.
- Patternapply + knowledge/skill to + situation
use it there
- 7
First aid
The nurse applied pressure to the wound until the bleeding stopped.
- Patternapply pressure
press firmly
- 8
Focused effort
If you apply yourself, you'll improve much faster.
- Phraseapply yourself
work hard and give full attention
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- applyverb
Forms
- appliedpast tenseverb
- applying-ing formverb
- appliesverb