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- pronunciation:
plaI
- features:
- Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
applies, applying, applied |
| definition 1: |
When you apply for something, you make a special request to people who do not know you. The request is often for permission to do something, and you usually have to write and give information about yourself.
I went to the library to apply for a library card.My sister applied for a job at the supermarket.- similar words:
- appeal, bid, sue, try out
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| definition 2: |
When you apply something, it means that you use it to do something. If you apply force to open a stuck door, you use the force of your body to open it. If you apply your skill to a task, you use your skill in trying to do that task.
David's brother had to apply every bit of his knowledge of computers to solve the problem.You can't go very fast on your bike unless you apply more force to the pedals.- synonyms:
- employ, use
- similar words:
- practice
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| definition 3: |
When you apply something like paint or polish or glue, you spread it over something.
Glen applied the glue to the back of the picture very carefully. Then he stuck the picture on to his poster.
- synonyms:
- coat, spread
- similar words:
- cover, deposit, place, rub
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| definition 4: |
If something doesn't apply to you, then it has no connection with you or it doesn't matter for you. Let's say children under six aren't allowed to play in the big playground. But, you're older than six, so that rule doesn't apply to you. It's OK for you to play there.
The rules for baseball don't apply to football.The change in the school lunches will apply to all the schools in the city.- synonyms:
- relate
- similar words:
- connect, refer
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| related words: |
spend, spread, stroke, use |
| derivations: |
appliable (adj.), appliably (adv.) |
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