apply
apply Lexical Profile
apply Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To make a formal request or petition for something, such as a job, admission to a school, a loan, or a grant.
"She decided to apply for the research fellowship before the autumn deadline."
To relevance or validity to a particular person, situation, or case; to be pertinent.
"The new safety regulations apply equally to all laboratories on campus."
To put a method, principle, skill, or resource to practical use in order to achieve a specific purpose.
"Engineers apply mathematical principles to design earthquake-resistant bridges."
To put, spread, or rub a substance onto a surface.
"The conservator carefully applied a thin coat of protective varnish to the oil painting."
To devote one's full attention, effort, and diligence to a task or study (used reflexively with 'oneself').
"Once he began to apply himself to his piano practice, his technique improved rapidly."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Apply' takes different prepositions depending on its object: one applies 'for' a desired position, grant, or benefit (e.g., "apply for a scholarship"), but applies 'to' a person, organization, or institution (e.g., "apply to the university").
• Rhymes for apply
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'applien', borrowed from Old French 'aplier', from Latin 'applicare' meaning 'to attach to' or 'join', formed from 'ad-' (to) and 'plicare' (to fold).