Reading Theme:
Apply: Definitions, Usage & Common Errors (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：submit an application (apply)
apply
/əˈplaɪ/
v.
To formally ask for something like a job, a place at a school, or membership.
submit an application
➕
/səbˈmɪt ən ˌæplɪˈkeɪʃn/
v.
To make a formal request, typically in writing, for something such as a position, admission, or permission.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'applicare' (to attach, join, or connect). 'Ad-' (to) + 'plicare' (fold).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of an APP. You need to APPLY it (use it) to your phone. Or, you must APPLY to a job to get hired.
📖 Example
John applied for a job at a tech company last week and is waiting for a reply.
John formally requested a job at a technology company last week and is currently awaiting a response.
🔗 Collocations
apply for – to make a formal request to obtain something
apply to – to make a request to a specific institution or person
apply oneself – to concentrate or work hard on a task
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
application (n.) – a formal request or the act of applying
applicant (n.) – a person who applies for something
applicable (adj.) – relevant or appropriate to a situation
📖 Cultural Story
The word traces back to Latin 'applicare', meaning to attach or join. The core idea of bringing something to bear on something else (like folding something onto a surface) evolved into modern senses of making a formal request or putting a skill to use.
Meaning 2：put into practice (apply)
apply
/əˈplaɪ/
v.
To use a skill, idea, or method in a particular situation or for a particular purpose.
put into practice
➕
/pʊt ˈɪntə ˈpræktɪs/
v.
To use a skill, method, principle, or piece of knowledge for a specific purpose or in a particular situation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She learned how to fix computers in class, and now she can apply that knowledge to help her family.
She learned how to fix computers in class, and now she can use that knowledge in practice to help her family.
🔗 Collocations
apply to – to be relevant or used in a specific context
apply in practice – to use something in a real-world situation
apply pressure – to exert force; to urge someone to do something
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
applied (adj.) – relating to the practical application of a subject
applicable (adj.) – relevant or appropriate to a situation
misapply (v.) – to use something incorrectly
Wordbook
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