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apply

v.
A2 Elementary Oxford US //əˈpɫaɪ// ap·ply Archaic General-service

v. to make a formal request for something like a job, a place at a university, or a visa. You usually do this by filling out a form or sending a letter.

v. to make a formal application or request, typically in writing, for a position, privilege, or admission to an institution.


SIMPLE

I want to apply for a new job next week.

CONTEXTUAL

Students must apply for their university housing before the end of the month to guarantee a room on campus.

COMPLEX

After researching several international firms, she decided to apply for the senior management position, citing her extensive experience in cross-border logistics and team leadership.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

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 Old French applierbor. Middle English aplien English apply From Middle English aplien, applien, from Old French applier, (French appliquer), from Latin applicō (“join, fix, or attach to”); from ad + plicō (“fold, twist together”). See applicant, ply.

Etymology 2

From apple + -y.

Usage

Intransitive when used with 'for' to request something; transitive when 'applying' oneself to a task.

Pitfall

I applied a jobI applied for a jobWhen requesting a position or service, the verb requires the preposition 'for' before the noun.

Idioms1 entry

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