Meaning & use
application
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Meanings
nouncountable
A formal request, usually on a form, asking for a job, place, loan, permit or similar benefit.
Grammar: Countable: you submit an application; often followed by for.
Patterns
- an application for something
- submit an application to someone
She sent her application for the teaching post on Friday.
The bank rejected his loan application because of missing documents.
Applications must reach the university office before March.
nouncountable or uncountable
The use of a skill, idea or material for a practical purpose.
Grammar: Uncountable for the general act (the application of force), countable for particular uses (many applications).
Patterns
- the application of something to something
- practical application
The application of basic physics explains how the crane works.
Lasers have countless applications in medicine.
The theory is interesting, but its practical application is limited.
nouncountablecomputing
A computer or phone program designed for a particular task, often shortened to app.
Grammar: Countable: install an application; in everyday speech people say app.
Patterns
- an application for something
I downloaded a budgeting application on my phone.
The accounting application crashes when the file is too large.
Close any application you are not using to save memory.
nouncountable or uncountable
The act of spreading or rubbing a substance onto a surface.
Grammar: Often uncountable: a second application of paint; countable when counting repeats.
Patterns
- application of something to something
Apply two applications of sunscreen during the day.
The application of ointment eased the itching.
Careful application of glue keeps the joint tight.
Word forms
| plural | applications |
|---|
Common combinations
- submit an application
- You can submit an application online.
- job application
- Her job application included a short cover letter.
- application form
- Fill in the application form in black ink.
- practical application
- The course stresses practical application over theory.
- withdraw an application
- He withdrew his application after accepting another offer.
Synonyms and how they differ
- request
- Request is broader and can be spoken or informal, while application usually means a formal, written submission.
- petition
- A petition is usually signed by many people and addressed to an authority, unlike a personal application.
- use
- Use is the plain everyday word, while application suggests deliberately putting an idea to work.
- program
- Program is the general term for software, whereas application emphasizes software built for a user task.
Word family
- apply verb
- to make a formal request, or to put something to use
- applicant noun
- a person who submits an application
- applicable adjective
- relevant or able to be used in a case
- applied adjective
- put to practical use rather than purely theoretical
Commonly confused: application or applicant?
application vs applicant
An application is the request; the applicant is the person who makes it.
Practice
The college will not consider any ______ received after the deadline.
Choose one answer.
Applications are the submitted requests that can be received late. Applicants are people, so they would not be 'received' as documents in this sense.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “application”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.