What does "apply" mean?
To lay or place; to put (one thing to another)
Apply
/əˈplaɪ/ adj, verb
adj, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To lay or place; to put (one thing to another)
- Grammar: apply is listed as adj, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: employ, use, utilize, academic discipline approach.
- Useful contrasts: disuses, doss, goof.
- Usage evidence: You should apply for that post.
How to use "apply"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "apply" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "apply" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "apply" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "apply" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "apply" is acting as adj, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "employ" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "apply", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To lay or place; to put (one thing to another) transitive
"to apply cream to a rash"
- 2 ask (for something) wordnet
- 3 To put to use; to use or employ for a particular purpose, or in a particular case transitive
"to apply funds to the repayment of a debt"
- 4 refer (a word or name) to a person or thing wordnet
- 5 To make use of, declare, or pronounce, as suitable, fitting, or relevant. transitive
"We need to apply the skills we’ve learned to solve this problem."
Show 15 more definitions
- 6 put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose wordnet
- 7 To put closely; to join; to engage and employ diligently or with attention. transitive
"Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge."
- 8 coat, cover or smear a surface with wordnet
- 9 To work diligently and attentively. reflexive
"My parents say I could do well in school if I would apply myself."
- 10 give or convey physically wordnet
- 11 To address oneself; to refer. reflexive, transitive, usually
"sacred vows […] applied to grisly Pluto"
- 12 ensure observance of laws and rules wordnet
- 13 To submit oneself as a candidate (with the adposition "to" or "at" designating the recipient of the submission, and the adposition "for" designating the position). intransitive
"I recently applied to the tavern for a job as a bartender."
- 14 avail oneself to wordnet
- 15 To pertain or be relevant. intransitive
"That rule only applies to foreigners."
- 16 apply oneself to wordnet
- 17 To busy; to keep at work; to ply. obsolete
"She was no less skillful in applying his humours."
- 18 be pertinent or relevant or applicable wordnet
- 19 To visit. obsolete
"His armour was so clear, And he applied each place so fast, that like a lightning thrown Out of the shield of Jupiter, in every eye he shone."
- 20 be applicable to; as to an analysis wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Alternative spelling of appley. alt-of, alternative
Example
"You should apply for that post."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "apply"?
Common synonyms include: employ, use, utilize, academic discipline approach, accouter, accredit.
How do you use "apply" in a sentence?
You should apply for that post.
How do you pronounce "apply"?
Pronounced /əˈplaɪ/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
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.
Etymology 2
From apple + -y.