apply Meaning & Definition

Synonyms of Apply

Antonyms of Apply

Apply in a Sentence

to apply cream to a rash

to apply funds to the repayment of a debt

We need to apply the skills we’ve learned to solve this problem.

My parents say I could do well in school if I would apply myself.

I recently applied to the tavern for a job as a bartender.

Most of the colleges she applied to were ones she thought she had a good chance of getting into.

Many of them don't know it, but almost a third of the inmates are eligible to apply for parole or work-release programs.

That rule only applies to foreigners.

We need to apply the skills we've learned to solve this problem

He applies pressure to get what he wants.

apply the brakes

apply varnish

apply a law

You should apply yourself to your work.

This rule applies to freshmen only.

apply for a job

does your rule about calling home apply to me as well?

Sam applied himself to writing thank-you letters to everyone who'd helped sponsor him for the charity walk

apply the ointment liberally

apply the laws of motion to this physics problem

apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding

a police officer applying the law

Word Forms & Grammar

ap·plied

ap·ply·ing

ap·pli·er noun

applied

applier

appliers

applies

apply

applying

apply (third-person singular simple present applies, present participle applying, simple past and past participle applied)

apply (comparative more apply, superlative most apply)

Words That Rhyme With Apply

Origin of Apply

Origin 1: Middle English aplien, applien "to join, combine, use for a certain purpose, put to use (an expression, word), strive (to do something)," borrowed from Anglo-French aplier, applier "to put to use or operation, attach to oneself, conform, bend" (continental Middle French apploier, applier "to employ, put to use"), going back to Latin applicāre "to bring into contact (with), situate near, bring to bear (on), make applicable or relevant (to)," from ap- ap-:1 + -plicāre "to fold, bend" ply:3

Origin 2: Inherited from Middle English aplien, borrowed from Old French applier, from Latin applicō, from ad- + plicō (“fold; arrive”). See applicant, ply.

Origin 3: From apple + -y.

First Known Use

14th centuryt