apply
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈplaɪ/
KK: /əˈplaɪ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To be relevant or to make a request for something, such as a job or admission.
Example
She decided to apply for a scholarship to help pay for her studies.
Tense Forms
Past: applied
Past Participle: applied
Conversation
I heard you apply for a new job last week.
Yeah, I did! I really hope it works out.
That sounds exciting! What position did you apply for?
I applied for a marketing role; I think it would be a great fit for me.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pertain
relate
request
Antonyms
ignore
dismiss
reject
transitive verb
Definition
To put something into use or action, often by bringing it into contact with something else.
Example
She decided to apply for a scholarship to help pay for her studies.
Tense Forms
Past: applied
Past Participle: applied
Conversation
Have you decided how you will apply for that scholarship?
Yeah, I just need to gather all my documents first.
That's a good plan! Make sure you apply before the deadline.
Root Explanation
Apply → It is formed from "ad-" (meaning to) and "plicare" (meaning to fold or to bend). The word "apply" means to put something to use or to bring it into a specific context, as if folding it into a situation.
Memory Tip
Think of 'putting something to use' by 'folding it into' a situation — 'ad-' means to, and 'plicare' means to fold.
Visually Confused Words
reapply
happily
yappy
yaply
sappy
pappy
nappy
mappy