Meaning & use

apply

verb·Everyday

To make a formal request for something, such as a job, a loan, or admission to a program.

See it in a sentence

She applied for three different internships before finally getting an offer.

He applied to five universities before deciding which offer to accept.

A note on using this word

Apply for something means to formally request it, while apply something means to put it to use or spread it onto a surface.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To put something into use, or to spread a substance onto a surface.

Apply a thin layer of paint and let it dry completely before adding a second coat.

Make it your own

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