Apply Applied əˈplaɪ I Job/Passport/Grant Join Army Make

• you should apply in person/by letter.
• to apply for a job/passport/grant
• to apply to a company/university
• he has applied to join the army.

apply

1. to make a formal request, usually in writing, for something such as a job, a place at college, university, etc.
• You should apply in person/by letter.
• to apply for a job/passport/grant
• to apply to a company/university
• He has applied to join the army.
2. to use something or make something work in a particular situation
• to apply economic sanctions/political pressure
• The new technology was applied to farming.
3. to put or spread something such as paint, cream, etc. onto a surface
• Apply the cream sparingly to your face and neck.
• The glue should be applied to both surfaces.
4. to concern or relate to somebody/something
• Special conditions apply if you are under 18.
• What I am saying applies only to some of you.
• The word ‘unexciting’ could never be applied to her novels.
5. to work at something or study something very hard
• You would pass your exams if you applied yourself.
• We applied our minds to finding a solution to our problem.
6. to press on something hard with your hand, foot, etc. to make something work or have an effect on something
• to apply the brakes (of a vehicle)
• Pressure applied to the wound will stop the bleeding.

Extra Examples

• Apply the insecticide sparingly.
• British companies are subject to international laws and the same applies to companies in Europe.
• I carefully applied a creamy foundation.
• Never apply the cleaning liquid directly to the surface.
• These principles apply equally in all cases.
• These restrictions do not apply to us.
• He’s applied to join the army.
• I decided to apply to Manchester University.
• Now is the time to apply the insights you have gained from your studies.
• Political pressure has been applied to the colony’s government in an attempt to win the contract.
• They have threatened to apply economic sanctions.
• We’re worried that the new fees might discourage poorer students from applying.
• You can apply by letter or on-line.
• to apply for a job/passport/grant

Verb Forms

• present simple I / you / we / they apply
• he / she / it applies
• past simple applied
• past participle applied
• -ing form applying

Word Origin

• late Middle English: from Old French aplier, from Latin applicare ‘fold, fasten to’, from ad- ‘to’ + plicare ‘to fold’.