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apply

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verb American English pronunciation: apply /əˈplaɪ/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyapply
he/she/itapplies
present participleapplying
past tenseapplied
past participleapplied
 
  1. 1
    [intransitive] to make an official request for a job or a place to study at a college or university, or for permission to do or have something

    We advertised three jobs, and over 50 people applied.

    apply for:

    Students can apply for money to help with their living costs.

    apply to:

    You have to apply to the U.S. embassy for a visa.

    apply to do something:

    Bill is applying to join the fire department.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of apply
  2. 2
    [transitive] to use a particular method, process, law, etc.

    The trial judge had applied an incorrect principle of law.

    apply something to something:

    A similar technique can be applied to the treatment of cancer.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of apply
    1. a.
      to use a particular name or word for someone or something

      In the past, unhelpful terms were often applied to children who were dyslexic.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of apply
  3. 3
    [intransitive] to affect or be relevant to a particular person or thing
    apply to:

    The restriction no longer applies to him, because he's over eighteen.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of apply
  4. 4
    [transitive] to put a layer of something such as paint onto a surface

    Sara applied her lipstick carefully.

    apply something to something:

    Apply two coats of varnish to the table.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of apply
  5. 5
    [transitive] formal to use physical force in order to make something happen or work

    Apply pressure to the wound to stop it bleeding.

    Apply the brakes smoothly as you approach the junction.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of apply

phrase

This is the American English definition of apply. View British English definition of apply.

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View the pronunciation for apply.

 

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