Wordul · all words

verb · 2 syllables · /əˈplaɪ/

APPLY

What does "APPLY" mean?

To put something into action, or to make a formal request.

Meanings

  1. To make a formal request, as for a job or admission. She decided to apply for the scholarship.
  2. To put to practical use; to bring into operation. Apply the brakes gently on wet roads.
  3. To spread or lay something onto a surface. Apply two coats of paint and let it dry.
  4. To be relevant or have bearing on a situation. The new rule does not apply to existing members.
  5. To devote oneself with effort and attention. If you apply yourself, you'll finish by noon.

Word origin

From Latin 'applicare', to attach or join to (ad- 'to' + plicare 'to fold'), via Old French 'aplier'; the same 'plicare' root gives 'ply', 'plait', and 'complicated'.

Remember it

APPLY shares its double P with 'application' - press it on, fold it to the task.

A little poem

To fold the self against the chosen task-
to do, to ask, to coat, to fit, to ask.

couplet

Wordplay

  • I applied for a job applying paint. Turns out one word, two jobs - one needs a resume, the other a roller.

What it teaches

Knowledge that is never applied is only a rumour you tell yourself; use folds learning into skill.

Quick facts

What does APPLY mean?

To put something into action, or to make a formal request.

Is APPLY a valid word?

Yes — APPLY is one of the answer words in Wordul, the daily word game.

How many letters is APPLY?

APPLY has 5 letters and 2 syllables.

Where does APPLY come from?

From Latin 'applicare', to attach or join to (ad- 'to' + plicare 'to fold'), via Old French 'aplier'; the same 'plicare' root gives 'ply', 'plait', and 'complicated'.

What can APPLY teach us?

Knowledge that is never applied is only a rumour you tell yourself; use folds learning into skill.

How players do

Be the first to solve it.

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