apply

 
Pronunciation: /əˈplʌɪ/

verb (applies, applying, applied)

  • 1 [no object] make a formal application or request: you need to apply to the local authority for a grant [with infinitive]: a number of people have applied to vote by proxy
  • put oneself forward formally as a candidate for a job: she had applied for a number of positions
  • 2 [no object] be applicable or relevant: prices do not apply to public holiday periods normal rules apply
  • [with object] bring or put into operation or use: the oil industry has failed to apply appropriate standards of care
  • 3 [with object] put or spread (a substance) on a surface: the sealer can be applied to new wood
  • use; exert: smooth over with a cloth, applying even pressure
  • 4 (apply oneself) give one’s full attention to a task; work hard: for two years, she applied herself to her studies with dedication

Derivatives

applier

noun

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French aplier, from Latin applicare 'fold, fasten to', from ad- 'to' + plicare 'to fold'

Spelling rule

If a word ends in a consonant plus -y (as in defy), change the -y to an -i before adding any ending (unless the ending already begins with an -i): (applies, applying, applied).