apply

verb

UK /əˈplaɪ/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	apply
he/she/it	applies
present participle	applying
past tense	applied
past participle	applied

1
intransitive to make an official request for a job or a place in a college or university, or for permission to do or have something
We advertised three jobs, and over 50 people applied.
apply for:
Students can apply for money to help with their living costs.
apply to:
You have to apply to the passport office for a visa.
apply to do something:
Bill is applying to join the fire service.
Synonyms and related words
Applying and interviewing for jobs
affirmative action
applicant
application
2
intransitive to affect or be relevant to a particular person or thing
apply to:
The discount no longer applies to him, because he’s over eighteen.
Synonyms and related words
To be connected with or related to something
link
surround
correspond
3
transitive to use a particular method, process, law etc
The trial judge had applied an incorrect principle of law.
apply something to something:
A similar technique can be applied to the treatment of cancer.
Synonyms and related words
To use something, or to be used
go towards
bring in
fall back on
1. 3a
  to use a particular name or word for someone or something
  In the past, unhelpful terms were often applied to children who were dyslexic.
  Synonyms and related words
  To use something, or to be used
  go towards
  bring in
  fall back on
4
transitive to put a layer of something such as paint onto a surface
Sara applied her lipstick carefully.
apply something to something:
Apply two coats of varnish to the table.
Synonyms and related words
To cover something
cover
wrap
coat
5
transitive formalto use physical force in order to make something happen or work
Apply pressure to the wound to stop it bleeding.
Apply the brakes smoothly as you approach the junction.
Synonyms and related words
To use something, or to be used
go towards
bring in
fall back on

phrases

apply yourself

apply ​‌‌‌

apply ​‌‌‌

apply

apply