apply
verb/əˈplaɪ/
/əˈplaɪ/
Verb Forms
| present simple I / you / we / they apply | /əˈplaɪ/ /əˈplaɪ/ |
| he / she / it applies | /əˈplaɪz/ /əˈplaɪz/ |
| past simple applied | /əˈplaɪd/ /əˈplaɪd/ |
| past participle applied | /əˈplaɪd/ /əˈplaɪd/ |
| -ing form applying | /əˈplaɪɪŋ/ /əˈplaɪɪŋ/ |
- [intransitive, transitive] to make a formal request, usually in writing, for something such as a job, a loan, permission for something, a place at a university, etc.
- You should apply in person/by letter.
- apply for something I have decided to apply for this new job.
- They have successfully applied for political asylum.
- to apply for a visa/passport/grant/licence
- The developers applied for planning permission to build over 200 houses.
- apply to somebody/something to apply to a company/university
- apply to somebody/something for something They may apply to the court for the decision to be reversed.
- apply to do something He has applied to join the army.
Extra ExamplesTopics Working lifea2- You can apply by letter or on-line.
- I decided to apply to Manchester University.
- We're worried that the new fees might discourage some students from applying.
- [intransitive, transitive] (not used in the progressive tenses) to affect or be relevant to somebody/something
- Special conditions apply if you are under 18.
- apply to somebody/something The rules applied to employees and their behaviour at work.
- What I am saying applies only to some of you.
- The policy will apply equally to everyone.
- The law applied only to workers in member states.
- apply something to somebody/something The word ‘unexciting’ could never be applied to her novels.
Extra Examples- These principles apply equally in all cases.
- These restrictions do not apply to us.
- British companies are subject to international laws and the same applies to companies in Europe.
- [transitive] to use something or make something work in a particular situation
- apply something to apply political pressure
- The challenge allows students to apply economic principles they learn in class.
- to apply economic sanctions
- to apply a test/method/technique/approach/rule
- We need to apply the same standards to ourselves as to others.
- apply something to something The new technology was applied to farming.
- Now is the time to apply the insights you have gained from your studies.
- [transitive] to put or spread something such as paint, cream, etc. onto a surface
- apply something to something Apply the cream sparingly to your face and neck.
- The glue should be applied to both surfaces.
- apply something She combed her hair and carefully applied her make-up.
- The paint was applied with a fine brush.
Extra Examples- I carefully applied a creamy foundation.
- Never apply the cleaning liquid directly to the surface.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadverb- directly
- evenly
- liberally
- …
- over
- to
- [transitive] to work at something or study something very hard
- apply yourself You would pass your exams if you applied yourself.
- apply yourself/something to (doing) something We applied our minds to finding a solution to our problem.
- [transitive] to press on something hard with your hand, foot, etc. to make something work or have an effect on something
- apply something to apply the brakes (of a vehicle)
- apply something to something Pressure applied to the wound will stop the bleeding.
for job/course
be relevant
use
paint/cream
work hard
press hard
Word Originlate Middle English: from Old French aplier, from Latin applicare ‘fold, fasten to’, from ad- ‘to’ + plicare ‘to fold’.
Check pronunciation:
apply