reapply
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˌiːəplˈaɪ/
US
- /ˌriəplaɪ/
Description
- submit again
- ask again
- put on again
- try anew
Imagine you've applied for your dream job, but you receive a polite rejection letter. Don't give up. To reapply means to submit another application or to put something on again. It usually suggests a fresh attempt after the first one did not work out or after more is needed. You might reapply for a loan if your financial situation improves, or reapply to a college after taking a gap year. The word also covers everyday actions, like needing to reapply sunscreen after a swim or reapply paint for better coverage. The "re-" prefix shows that something is being done again. Whether it is a formal request or another layer of something, the idea is the same: one more careful try.
To reapply means to submit an application or request again, usually after a previous one was denied, rejected, or no longer fits the situation. It often suggests a new effort to reach the same goal. The word is common in formal settings such as jobs, loans, visas, scholarships, permits, or school admission. For example: "After improving her qualifications, she decided to reapply for the scholarship." Or, "The company said that employees whose applications were denied could reapply after completing a training course."
Beyond paperwork and formal requests, reapply also refers to putting something on again. If you are painting a house and the first coat is too thin, you may need to reapply the paint for better coverage. In the same way, you might reapply sunscreen after swimming, reapply ointment during treatment, or reapply pressure to a wound.
In all of these uses, the "re-" prefix is the key because it shows repetition. Think of other "re-" words like rewrite or rebuild; they also involve doing something again. It is important to note that reapply does not promise success. It simply shows that someone is trying again or adding more because the situation calls for it. So whether you are taking another shot at a career goal or adding another layer of protection to your skin, the word carries the sense of doing the same action one more time for a reason.
Examples
- 1
Sun protection
If you're out in the sun all afternoon, reapply sunscreen every two hours.
- 2
Makeup
She went to the bathroom to reapply her lipstick before the meeting.
- 3
Permit renewal
Your parking permit expires at the end of the month, so you'll need to reapply online.
Pattern
reapply for + permit/job/visa
send a new official request for it
- 4
Job search
He didn't get the job this time, but the company encouraged him to reapply next year.
- 5
Visa application
If your visa is denied, you may be able to reapply after six months.
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reapplyverb
Forms
- reappliedpast tenseverb
- reapplying-ing formverb
- reappliesverb