# applying

/əˈpɫaɪɪŋ/ (US) · /ɐplˈaɪɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. requesting a job or place

verb · CEFR A2

the process of officially asking for a job, a loan, or a place at a school.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. putting something on a surface

verb · CEFR B1

spreading or rubbing a substance like cream, paint, or glue onto something.

For teachers: 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).

### 3. using a rule or idea

verb · CEFR B2

using a rule, law, or piece of information in a particular situation.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. working hard

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

working very hard and focusing all your attention on a task.

For teachers: 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'.

### 5. the act of use

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the act of putting something into use or onto a surface.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She is applying for a new job at the hospital.
- After finishing her degree, she spent several weeks applying for entry-level positions at local marketing firms.
- The process of applying for permanent residency requires applicants to submit extensive documentation regarding their employment history and financial stability over the previous five years.

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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.