apply
gb/əplˈaɪ/ us/əplˈaɪ/
A2
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Make a formal request
To ask for something like a job or loan by filling out a form or writing a letter.
Usage pattern:
to apply for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'apply to' with 'apply for'. Use 'apply to' when naming the organization, and 'apply for' when naming the thing you want.
Synonyms
request (More general term for asking for something; may be less formal.)
Antonyms
withdraw (To take back or cancel a request already made.)
Collocations
apply for a job
|apply for a visa
|apply for a loan
|apply for permission
Themes
business
|daily life
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She decided to apply for the teaching position at the local school.
- You need to apply for a passport before your trip.
- Many students apply for scholarships to help pay for college.
- He applied for membership at the community center.
Learner examples
- I will apply for a new job.
- She wants to apply for a visa.
- We can apply for help from the city.
- He will apply for the program.
Verb
A2
action
2
Put something onto a surface
To put something, like paint or cream, onto another thing.
Usage pattern:
to apply [substance] to [surface]
Common mistake:
Learners may forget to use 'to' when naming the surface or object receiving the substance.
Synonyms
spread (Implies moving a substance over an area; less formal.)
Antonyms
remove (To take away what has been put on.)
Collocations
apply paint
|apply cream
|apply pressure
|apply glue
Themes
daily life
|science
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin before going outside.
- He applied pressure to stop the bleeding.
- The artist carefully applied paint to the canvas.
- Please apply glue evenly across the surface.
Learner examples
- I will apply cream to my hands.
- She applies paint to the wall.
- He applies pressure to the cut.
- We must apply glue to the paper.
Verb
B1
action
3
Use knowledge or method
To use an idea, rule, or skill in real life.
Usage pattern:
to apply [rule/method/knowledge] to [situation/problem]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this with physically putting something on; here it means using an idea or skill.
Synonyms
use (A more general and less formal term for putting something into action.)
Antonyms
ignore (To not use or follow the method, rule, or knowledge.)
Collocations
apply the law
|apply logic
|apply knowledge
|apply skills
Themes
education
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We need to apply this theory to our experiment.
- The new law will be applied equally to all citizens.
- She applied her computer skills to solve the problem quickly.
- Teachers should help students apply what they learn in class.
Learner examples
- I can apply this rule to my homework.
- She applies her skills at work.
- We apply new ideas in our project.
- He applies what he learns in school.
Verb
B1
state
4
Be relevant or suitable
To be true or right for someone or something.
Usage pattern:
[something] applies to [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'apply to' (be relevant) with 'apply for' (request). The meaning changes completely.
Synonyms
pertain (More formal and less common term with similar meaning.)
Antonyms
exclude (To deliberately not include someone or something under the rule.)
Collocations
rule applies to everyone
|applies equally
|applies specifically
Themes
daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- These safety rules apply to all employees.
- That advice doesn’t apply to children under five.
- The discount only applies to online orders.
- This law applies equally to men and women.
Learner examples
- The rule applies to me.
- It does not apply to you.
- The discount applies to students.
- This law applies to drivers.
Grammar
Dictionary form
apply
IPA
GB/əplˈaɪ/
US/əplˈaɪ/
Syllables & stress
ap - ply (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ply)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: apply
- 3rd Person Singular: applies
- Present Participle: applying
- Past: applied
Word family
Forms
applies
verb
applying
verb
applied
verb
Core family
Related words
reapply
verb
appliance
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
inapplicable
adjective
Advanced or less common
applicability
noun
applicator
noun
Expressions
apply for
1/əplˈaɪ fɚ/
phrasal verb
Formally request something
To ask officially for something like a job or visa.
Examples
- She plans to apply for a new passport next week.
- You should apply for that scholarship before the deadline.
apply to
1/əplˈaɪ tə/
phrasal verb
Send application / be relevant
To send your request to an organization; also means something is true for someone or something.
Examples
- I want to apply to three different universities.
- This rule applies to all drivers on the road.