Apply

Quick meaning: Apply is a verb meaning (transitive) To lay or place; to put (one thing to another).

Meaning

(transitive) To lay or place; to put (one thing to another).

More Meanings

1. (transitive) To put to use; to use or employ for a particular purpose, or in a particular case
2. (transitive) To make use of, declare, or pronounce, as suitable, fitting, or relevant.
3. (transitive) To put closely; to join; to engage and employ diligently or with attention.
4. (reflexive) To work diligently and attentively.
5. (transitive, usually reflexive) To address oneself; to refer.
6. (intransitive) To pertain or be relevant.
7. (intransitive) 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).

Example Sentences

to apply cream to a rash

sacred vows […] applied to grisly Pluto

to apply funds to the repayment of a debt

He said, and to the sword his throat applied.

Word Forms

• applies
• applying
• applied

Synonyms for apply

Depending on context, synonyms include appropriate, devote, use, attach, incline, extend.

Antonyms for apply

Common opposites include free, exempt, refuse, defy, relieve, resist.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include utilise, use, utilize, give, practice, employ.

Commonly Confused & Compared Words

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