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Applying

 - 4 dictionary results

ap⋅ply

  [uh-plahy] verb, -plied, -ply⋅ing.
Use Applying in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to make use of as relevant, suitable, or pertinent: to apply a theory to a problem.
2. to put to use, esp. for a particular purpose: to apply pressure to open a door.
3. to bring into action; use; employ: He applied the brakes and skidded to a stop.
4. to use a label or other designation: Don't apply any such term to me.
5. to use for or assign to a specific purpose: He applied a portion of his salary each week to savings.
6. to put into effect: They applied the rules to new members only.
7. to devote or employ diligently or with close attention: to apply one's mind to a problem; to apply oneself to a task.
8. to place in contact with; lay or spread on: to apply paint to a wall; to apply a bandage to a wound.
9. to bring into physical contact with or close proximity to: to apply a match to gunpowder.
10. to credit to, as an account: to apply $10 to his account at the store.
–verb (used without object)
11. to be pertinent, suitable, or relevant: The argument applies to the case. The theory doesn't apply.
12. to make an application or request; ask: to apply for a job; to apply for a raise.
13. to lay or spread on: The plastic coating is easy to apply on any surface.
14. to be placed or remain in contact: This paint doesn't apply very easily.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME ap(p)lien < AF, OF ap(p)lier < L applicāre, equiv. to ap- ap- 1 + plicāre to fold; see ply 2

Related forms:
ap⋅pli⋅a⋅ble, adjective
ap⋅pli⋅a⋅ble⋅ness, noun
ap⋅pli⋅a⋅bly, adverb
ap⋅pli⋅er, noun

Synonyms:
3. utilize. 5. appropriate, allot, assign, dedicate. 12. petition, sue, entreat.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Applying
ap·ply   (ə-plī')   
v.   ap·plied, ap·ply·ing, ap·plies

v.   tr.

  1. To bring into nearness or contact with something; put on, upon, or to: applied glue sparingly to the paper.

  2. To put to or adapt for a special use: applies all her money to her mortgage.

  3. To put into action: applied the brakes.

  4. To devote (oneself or one's efforts) to something: applied myself to my studies.

v.   intr.

  1. To be pertinent or relevant: a rule that applies to everyone.

  2. To request or seek assistance, employment, or admission: applied for unemployment benefits; will apply to college next year. See Synonyms at resort.


[Middle English applien, from Old French aplier, from Latin applicāre, to affix : ad-, ad- + plicāre, to fold together; see plek- in Indo-European roots.]
ap·pli'a·ble adj., ap·pli'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

apply 
c.1374, from O.Fr. aplier, from L. applicare "to attach to, to devote oneself to," from ad- "to" + plicare "fold" see ply (v.)). The etymological sense is "to bring things in contact with one another." Applied (opposed to abstract or theoretical) is from 1656.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: ap·ply
Pronunciation: &-'plI
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Forms: ap·plied; ap·ply·ing
: to lay or spread on <apply antiseptic to a cut>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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