apply

Verb

Verb Forms: applied, applying, applies

To be relevant or applicable to something.
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
- "Apply a magnetic field here"
- "I apply this rule to get good results"
be pertinent or relevant or applicable
- "The same laws apply to you!"
ask (for something)
- "apply for a job"
apply to a surface
be applicable to; as to an analysis
give or convey physically
avail oneself to
- "apply a principle"
ensure observance of laws and rules
- "Apply the rules to everyone"
refer (a word or name) to a person or thing
apply oneself to
- "Please apply yourself to your homework"
To lay or place; to put (one thing to another)
To put to use; to use or employ for a particular purpose, or in a particular case
To make use of, declare, or pronounce, as suitable, fitting, or relevant.
To put closely; to join; to engage and employ diligently or with attention.
To work diligently and attentively.
To address oneself; to refer.
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).
To pertain or be relevant.
To busy; to keep at work; to ply.
To visit.

Adj

Alternative spelling of appley.

Examples

I recently applied to the tavern for a job as a bartender.
Many of them don't know it, but almost a third of the inmates are eligible to apply for parole or work-release programs.
Most of the colleges she applied to were ones she thought she had a good chance of getting into.
My parents say I could do well in school if I would apply myself.
That rule only applies to foreigners.
The double word score didn’t apply, as he had placed his tiles incorrectly.
to apply cream to a rash
to apply funds to the repayment of a debt
We need to apply the skills we’ve learned to solve this problem.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English aplien, applien, from Old French applier, (French appliquer), from Latin applicō (“join, fix, or attach to”); from ad + plicō (“fold, twist together”). See applicant, ply.

Synonyms

employ, enforce, give, go for, hold, implement, lend oneself, practice, put on, use, utilise, utilize, appropriate, attach, devote, extend, incline

Antonyms

defy, exempt

Scrabble Score: 12

apply: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
apply: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
apply: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

apply: valid Words With Friends Word