Apply

Meaning

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

Definitions by Sense

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

Example Sentences

to apply cream to a rash

He said, and to the sword his throat applied.

to apply funds to the repayment of a debt

We need to apply the skills we’ve learned to solve this problem.

Yet God at last To Satan, first in sin, his doom applied.

Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.

My parents say I could do well in school if I would apply myself.

sacred vows […] applied to grisly Pluto

Word Forms

• applies
• applying
• applied
• more apply
• most apply

Synonyms for apply

Antonyms for apply

Related Words

When Should You Use Apply?

Use apply when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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Frequently Asked Questions