application
- 01 B1 Intermediate
a formal written request for a job, a place at a school, or a loan.
a formal, typically written, request for assistance, employment, or admission to an institution.
Simple“She spent all weekend completing her application for the marketing position.”
In context“The admissions office received over five thousand applications for the doctoral programme, necessitating a rigorous multi-stage screening process.”
UsageOften takes the preposition 'for' followed by the goal, or 'to' followed by the institution.
PitfallI made an application for the job. I sent in an application for the job.While 'made' is understood, common collocations for application include 'submit', 'send in', or 'complete'.
Antonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
a computer program designed to do a specific task, often called an 'app'.
a software program or set of programs designed for end-users to perform specific functional tasks.
Simple“You can download the banking application from the official store.”
In context“The developer released a cross-platform application that synchronises user data across mobile devices and desktop workstations seamlessly.”
UsageCommonly shortened to 'app' in informal and semi-formal contexts.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the act of putting a substance like paint, cream, or medicine onto a surface.
the act of spreading or laying a substance onto a surface; also refers to the layer of substance itself.
Simple“The instructions say the cream requires a second application after ten minutes.”
In context“A single application of the waterproof sealant is usually sufficient to protect the timber from seasonal moisture damage.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
the practical use of an idea, rule, or discovery in a real situation.
the practical employment or relevance of a theory, law, or principle to a specific case or circumstances.
Simple“The new technology has many useful applications in the medical field.”
In context“The theoretical framework developed in the first chapter finds its practical application in the case studies presented later in the report.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 05 C1 Advanced
the act of working very hard and staying focused on a task.
sustained effort and diligent attention to a task or study.
Simple“With enough application and practice, you can master any musical instrument.”
In context“The tutor noted that while the student was naturally gifted, he lacked the consistent application required for advanced research.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is quite formal; in everyday English, speakers usually prefer 'hard work' or 'dedication'.
application vs appliance — Application is a formal request or a software program, while appliance is a physical machine used for household tasks.
Usage application require · direct application · discuss application
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂éd Proto-Italic *ad Proto-Italic *ad- Latin ad- Proto-Indo-European *pel- Proto-Indo-European *pleḱ-der. Latin plicō Latin applicō Proto-Indo-European *-tisder. Proto-Italic *-tjō Latin -tiō Latin applicātiōbor. Old French aplicacionbor. Middle English applicacioun English application From Late Middle English applicacioun, borrowed from Old French aplicacion (French application), from Latin applicātiōnem, accusative singular of applicātiō (“attachment; application, inclination”), from applicō (“join to, attach; apply”). Equivalent to apply + -ication.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.