Meaning of apply in English
Pronunciation
/əˈplaɪ/US accent
UK accent
to browse different examples of pronunciation.Verb
applyEtymology
late Middle English: from Old French aplier, from Latin applicare‘fold, fasten to’, from ad-‘to’ + plicare‘to fold’Definitions
1. put into serviceExamples
- « make work or employ (something) for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose »
- « use your head! »
- « we only use Spanish at home »
- « I can't make use of this tool »
- « Apply a magnetic field here »
- « This thinking was applied »
- 2. be pertinent or relevant or applicable
Examples
- « The same laws apply to you! »
- « This theory holds for all irrational numbers »
- « The same rules go for everyone »
- 3. ask (for something)
Examples
- « He applied for a leave of absence »
- « She applied for college »
- « apply for a job »
- 4. apply to a surface
Examples
- « She applied paint to the back of the house »
- « Put on make-up! »
- 5. be applicable to
Examples
- « as to an analysis »
- « This theory lends itself well to our new data »
Antonyms
- 6. give or convey physically
Examples
- « She gave him First Aid »
- « I gave him a punch in the nose »
- 7. avail oneself to
Examples
- « apply a principle »
- « practice a religion »
- « use care when going down the stairs »
- « use your common sense »
- « practice non-violent resistance »
- 8. ensure observance of laws and rules
Examples
- « Apply the rules to everyone; »
Antonyms
- 9. refer (a word or name) to a person or thing
Examples
- « He applied this racial slur to me! »
- 10. apply oneself to
Examples
- « Please apply yourself to your homework »