apply

/ə'plai/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. 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.
  2. 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
  1. apply oneself to
    • Please apply yourself to your homework
  2. refer (a word or name) to a person or thing
    • He applied this racial slur to me!
  3. ensure observance of laws and rules;
    • Apply the rules to everyone
  4. avail oneself to
    • apply a principle
    • practice a religion
    • use care when going down the stairs
    • use your common sense
    • practice non-violent resistance
  5. give or convey physically
    • She gave him First Aid
    • I gave him a punch in the nose
  6. be applicable to; as to an analysis
    • This theory lends itself well to our new data
  7. apply to a surface
    • She applied paint to the back of the house
    • Put on make-up!
  8. ask (for something)
    • He applied for a leave of absence
    • She applied for college
    • apply for a job
  9. 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
  10. 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