verb

apply

uh-PLEYE

verb

To formally request something, such as a job or place at a school.

"She applied for the marketing position last week."

"He's applying to three different universities."

To put something into use for a particular purpose.

"You should apply the same rules to everyone."

"Apply a thin layer of paint and let it dry."

To be relevant or have an effect on a particular case.

"That deadline doesn't apply to remote workers."

How to Use Apply

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo use something for a purpose, to formally request something, or to be relevant to a situation.

Common pairings

apply for a job apply pressure apply a rule

applied past tense, applies singular

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He's _____ to three different universities.

From Old French applier, from Latin applicare, "to fold toward, attach," from ad- + plicare, "to fold."

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