apply
/ə'plai/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (Transitive):
- To put or spread something onto a surface: To physically place a substance or material onto something else.
- To bring into contact with something: To put one thing in direct contact with another.
- To put to practical use; to employ: To use a method, principle, or tool for a specific purpose.
- To devote (oneself or one's efforts) to something: To direct one's attention, energy, or abilities diligently toward a task or goal.
- To bring into operation or enforce: To cause a rule, law, or standard to be relevant and followed.
Verb (Intransitive):
- To be relevant or suitable: To have a direct connection or appropriateness to a particular situation, person, or thing.
- To make a formal request: To ask for something, such as a job, permission, or admission, usually in writing.
Usage Examples
Verb (Transitive):
- She will apply sunscreen before going to the beach. (She will put sunscreen on her skin.)
- You must apply pressure to stop the bleeding. (You must put force on the wound.)
- The company decided to apply new safety regulations. (The company decided to put new safety rules into use.)
- He needs to apply himself more to his studies. (He needs to devote more effort to his studies.)
- The judge applied the law strictly. (The judge enforced the law strictly.)
Verb (Intransitive):
- This rule does not apply to visitors. (This rule is not relevant to visitors.)
- He plans to apply for a scholarship. (He plans to make a formal request for a scholarship.)
- You should apply at the main office for information. (You should make an inquiry at the main office.)
Advanced Usage
- "Apply one's mind to": To think very carefully and seriously about something.
- She applied her mind to solving the complex puzzle.
- "Apply the brakes": To use the brakes on a vehicle to slow down or stop.
- The driver had to apply the brakes suddenly to avoid an accident.
- "Apply oneself": To work hard and with concentration.
- If you apply yourself, you can learn anything.
Variants and Related Words
- Applicant (n): A person who makes a formal request, especially for a job.
- The company received applications from many qualified applicants.
- Application (n):
- The act of putting something to use or making a formal request.
- The application of this theory is widespread.
- Her college application was successful.
- A software program for a specific purpose.
- I downloaded a new fitness application.
- Applicable (adj): Relevant or appropriate.
- Is this coupon applicable to today's purchase?
- Applied (adj): Concerned with practical use rather than theory.
- He studied applied mathematics.
Synonyms
- Use: To employ for a purpose.
- Employ: To make use of.
- Utilize: To use something effectively.
- Implement: To put a plan or system into effect.
- Administer: To apply or supervise the execution of (e.g., a law, medicine).
- Petition (for): To make a formal request.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Apply for: To make a formal request to obtain something.
- She will apply for a visa next week.
- Apply to:
- To be relevant for.
- These instructions apply to all users.
- To make a request to a specific person or institution.
- He applied to three different universities.
Related Idioms
- Apply the finishing touches: To add the final small details to complete something.
- The artist applied the finishing touches to her painting.
- Apply a rule of thumb: To use a practical, approximate method based on experience.
- As a rule of thumb, you should apply one coat of primer before painting.
Verb
- apply oneself to
- Please apply yourself to your homework
- refer (a word or name) to a person or thing
- He applied this racial slur to me!
- ensure observance of laws and rules;
- Apply the rules to everyone
- avail oneself to
- apply a principle
- practice a religion
- use care when going down the stairs
- use your common sense
- practice non-violent resistance
- give or convey physically
- She gave him First Aid
- I gave him a punch in the nose
- be applicable to; as to an analysis
- This theory lends itself well to our new data
- apply to a surface
- She applied paint to the back of the house
- Put on make-up!
- ask (for something)
- He applied for a leave of absence
- She applied for college
- apply for a job
- be pertinent or relevant or applicable
- The same laws apply to you!
- This theory holds for all irrational numbers
- The same rules go for everyone
- put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
- use your head!
- we only use Spanish at home
- I can't use this tool
- Apply a magnetic field here
- This thinking was applied to many projects
- How do you utilize this tool?
- I apply this rule to get good results
- use the plastic bags to store the food
- He doesn't know how to use a computer