Language Research

apply · verb

/əˈplɑɪ/Full view

Word family

Nouns: applicant, application

Adjectives: applicable, applied

Verbs: apply

apply (REQUEST)

B1 I to request something, usually officially, especially by writing or sending in a form

Dictionary examples:

By the time I saw the job advertised it was already too late to apply.

I've applied for a job there.

Please apply in writing to the address below.

Learner example:

I applied for this course and went to my first lesson last week. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Swiss German)

apply (AFFECT)

B2 I to relate to a particular person or situation

Dictionary examples:

The same rules apply to everybody.

Those were old regulations - they don't apply any more.

Learner example:

The same doesn't apply to a teenager who lives in illness and poverty and whose family and friends constantly mistreat him. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

apply (USE)

C1 T to use something in a particular situation

Dictionary examples:

The same method can be applied to other situations.

As a translator, he was able to apply his knowledge of foreign languages.

Learner example:

Moreover, he can explain how theory is being applied in the field. (International English Language Testing System; C1; Panjabi)

apply yourself

C2 to work hard

Dictionary example:

If he doesn't apply himself, he'll never pass his exams.

Learner example:

Many previously unknown professions emerged, [and] people started to apply themselves to their jobs much more than before; the p[u]rsuit [of] money was initiated. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)