# applied

/əˈpɫaɪd/ (US) · /ɐplˈaɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/applied
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. practical use

adjective · CEFR B1 · Academic

used to describe a subject or science that is put into practice rather than just being a theory.

For teachers: pertaining to the practical use of a subject or theory, as opposed to its purely theoretical or abstract aspects.

- She decided to study applied physics because she wanted to build new technology.
- The university offers a degree in applied mathematics, focusing on how complex equations solve real-world problems in finance and engineering.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it describes.

## Examples

- She applied for a job at the local hospital yesterday.
- After finishing his degree, he applied to several international firms to gain experience in finance.
- The technician applied a thin layer of conductive paste to the processor before securing the cooling unit to ensure optimal heat transfer during operation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.