apply
word
/əˈpɫaɪ/
uh-PLY
/əˈplaɪ/
uh-PLY
Definition
To apply means to make a formal request for something, to put or spread something onto a surface, or to be relevant in a particular situation.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns are 'apply for' a job, visa, or course; 'apply' cream, pressure, or paint; and 'apply to' a person, rule, or situation. Learners often confuse 'apply for' (request) with 'apply to' (be relevant to / send to).
Spanish: solicitar - aplicar - servirPortuguese (BR): candidatar-se - aplicar - valerPortuguese (PT): candidatar-se - aplicar - aplicar-seChinese (Simplified): 申请 - 涂抹 - 适用Chinese (Traditional): 申請 - 塗抹 - 適用Hindi: आवेदन करना - लगाना - लागू होनाArabic: يتقدّم بطلب - يطبّق - ينطبقBengali: আবেদন করা - লাগানো - প্রযোজ্য হওয়াRussian: подавать (заявление) - наносить - относитьсяJapanese: 申し込む - 塗る - 当てはまるVietnamese: nộp đơn - bôi - áp dụngKorean: 지원하다 - 바르다 - 적용하다Turkish: başvurmak - sürmek - uygulanmakUrdu: درخواست دینا - لگانا - لاگو ہوناIndonesian: melamar - mengoleskan - berlaku
Example Sentences
I want to apply for this job.
basic
Please apply this cream to your hands.
basic
These rules apply to everyone.
basic
I didn't think the discount would apply to online orders, but it does.
natural
She's thinking about applying to three universities this year.
natural
If you apply too much pressure, the screen might crack.
natural