apply

A2 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /əˈplaɪ/ UK [əˈplaɪ] See IPA manual

Freq #3496

Meanings

1

verb
To make a formal request for something such as a job or a place.

She applied for a job at the local bank.
2

verb
To be relevant or true in a particular situation.

These rules apply to everyone in the building.
3

verb
To use something in a practical way for a purpose.

He applied his knowledge to solve the problem.
4

verb
To put or spread a substance onto a surface.

Apply the cream gently to your face.
5

verb
To give all your effort and attention to a task.

They were told to apply themselves to their homework.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

2 verb · to be relevant or true in a... hold

3 verb · to use something in a... use

4 verb · to put or spread a... put on

Word family

Forms appliedappliesapplying

Derived forms appliableappliance applicable applicant applicate applicationapplicatoryapplierapplimentapplyinglycoapplydeapply

Appears in

Phrases (5)

See all

apply a fix
to implement a solution or repair to a known problem

Verb + noun
apply force
exert physical pressure or strength to something

Verb + noun
apply ice
to place ice on an injured part of the body to reduce swelling or pain

Verb + noun
apply pressure
to press against something or to exert influence on someone to act

Verb + noun
apply a finish
put a protective or decorative coating on a surface

Verb + noun

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd Proto-Italic *ad Proto-Italic *ad- Latin ad- Proto-Indo-European *pel- Proto-Indo-European *pleḱ-der. Latin plicō Latin applicō Old French applierbor. Middle English aplien English apply From Middle English aplien, applien, from Old French applier, (French appliquer), from Latin applicō (“join, fix, or attach to”); from ad + plicō (“fold, twist together”). See applicant, ply.

*pleḱ- Proto-Indo-European aplien Middle English applier Old French applicō Latin

View etymology graph ->

Topics

Actions & Processes Register & Style

External links

# apply

**Type:** Word
**Level:** A2
**Part of speech:** verb
**IPA (US):** /əˈplaɪ/
**IPA (UK):** [əˈplaɪ]
**Frequency rank:** 3496

## Meanings
1. To make a formal request for something such as a job or a place.
2. To be relevant or true in a particular situation.
3. To use something in a practical way for a purpose.
4. To put or spread a substance onto a surface.
5. To give all your effort and attention to a task.

## Examples
- She applied for a job at the local bank.
- These rules apply to everyone in the building.
- He applied his knowledge to solve the problem.
- Apply the cream gently to your face.
- They were told to apply themselves to their homework.

## Derived Forms
- appliable
- appliance
- applicable
- applicant
- applicate
- application
- applicatory
- applier
- appliment
- applyingly
- coapply
- deapply

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: *pleḱ-
- Root: aplien
- Root: applier
- Root: applicō

## Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd Proto-Italic *ad Proto-Italic *ad- Latin ad- Proto-Indo-European *pel- Proto-Indo-European *pleḱ-der. Latin plicō Latin applicō Old French applierbor. Middle English aplien English apply From Middle English aplien, applien, from Old French applier, (French appliquer), from Latin applicō (“join, fix, or attach to”); from ad + plicō (“fold, twist together”). See applicant, ply.

## AI Etymology
Apply comes from Middle English aplien, applien, from Old French applier, (French appliquer), from Latin applicō (“join, fix, or attach to”); from ad plus plicō (“fold, twist together”). Compare applicant, ply. The historical line also includes Proto-Indo-European *pleḱ-. The analysis is mainly morphological: the modern verbal form is built from the named base and affix.

## Topics
- Actions & Processes
- Register & Style

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