apply

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to ask for something

   I applied for more resources.

2. 2
   verb

   to refer to a person or thing with a specific word

   You shouldn't apply that label to me... it's offensive!

3. 3
   verb

   to put into service

   I applied my knowledge to the situation.

4. 4
   verb

   to put on a surface

   I applied the cream to my face.

5. 5
   verb

   to avail oneself to

   I applied myself to the work.

6. 6
   verb

   to apply oneself to

   They were told to apply themselves to their homework.

7. 7
   verb

   to be pertinent or relevant or applicable

   The same laws apply to you!

8. 8
   verb

   to be applicable to

   Those tax requirements do not apply to churches.

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.