apply [əpla͟ɪ] applies, applying, applied 1) VERB If you ap | English classroom

apply
[əpla͟ɪ]

applies, applying, applied
1) VERB If you apply for something such as a job or membership of an organization, you write a letter or fill in a form in order to ask formally for it.
[V for n] I am continuing to apply for jobs...
[V to-inf] They may apply to join the organization. [Also V to n for n]
2) VERB If you apply yourself to something or apply your mind to something, you concentrate hard on doing it or on thinking about it.
[V pron-refl to n/-ing] Faulks has applied himself to this task with considerable energy...
[V n to n/wh] In spare moments he applied his mind to how rockets could be used to make money. [Also V pron-refl]
3) VERB: no cont If something such as a rule or a remark applies to a person or in a situation, it is relevant to the person or the situation.
[V to n] The convention does not apply to us...
The rule applies where a person owns stock in a corporation.
4) VERB If you apply something such as a rule, system, or skill, you use it in a situation or activity.
[V n] The Government appears to be applying the same principle...
[V n to n] His project is concerned with applying the technology to practical business problems.
5) VERB A name that is applied to someone or something is used to refer to them.
[be V-ed to n] ...a biological term which cannot be applied to a whole culture.
6) VERB If you apply something to a surface, you put it on or rub it into the surface.
[V n to n] The right thing would be to apply direct pressure to the wound...
[V n] Applying the dye can be messy, particularly on long hair.
7) VERB When the driver of a vehicle applies the brakes, he or she uses them to slow the vehicle down or to stop it from moving. [FORMAL]
[V n] They forgot to apply the handbrake and the car rolled 60ft into the river.
8) → See also applied