Word
applying
Phoneticsap·ply·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈpɫaɪɪŋ/
UK/ɐplˈaɪɪŋ/
Definitions
01requesting a job or place
A2 · Elementary
v. the process of officially asking for a job, a loan, or a place at a school.
v. the act of submitting a formal request, typically for employment, academic admission, or financial assistance.
“She is applying for a new job because she wants a higher salary.”
“After months of searching, he is finally applying for a senior position that matches his technical expertise.”
Usage
Requires the preposition 'for' when referring to the position or object being sought.
Pitfall
She is applying a job at the bank.
She is applying for a job at the bank.
When you want to get a job, you must use the preposition 'for' after applying.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02putting something on a surface
B1 · Intermediate
v. spreading or rubbing a substance like cream, paint, or glue onto something.
v. the act of spreading or laying a substance onto a surface for medicinal, decorative, or functional purposes.
“Applying sunscreen every two hours will help protect your skin from the sun.”
“The nurse demonstrated the correct technique for applying the ointment to the wound to ensure maximum absorption.”
Usage
Often takes a direct object (the substance) followed by 'to' (the surface).
Synonyms
Antonyms
03using a rule or idea
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. using a rule, law, or piece of information in a particular situation.
v. the practical implementation of a rule, theory, or principle to a specific case or context.
“The teacher is applying new rules to make the classroom a better place to study.”
“By applying these theoretical frameworks to modern data, the researchers discovered several previously unnoticed trends in consumer behaviour.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04working hard
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. working very hard and focusing all your attention on a task.
v. the act of concentrating one's efforts or faculties steadily on a task; usually reflexive.
“If you keep applying yourself to your studies, you will definitely pass the exam.”
“The student began applying himself with renewed vigour once he realised the competitive nature of the scholarship process.”
Usage
Typically used reflexively with 'oneself' followed by the preposition 'to'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
05the act of use
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Technical
n. the act of putting something into use or onto a surface.
n. the action of putting something into operation or the process of topical administration.
“The frequent applying of the brakes caused the car to slow down quickly.”
“The repeated applying of the chemical treatment eventually weakened the structural integrity of the timber frame.”
Synonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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