verb (applies, applying, applied, applied)
for job / course
1 ~ (to sb/sth) (for sth) to make a formal request, usually in writing, for sth such as a job, a place, at college, university, etc:
[V] to apply for a job / passport / grant * to apply to a company / university * You should apply in person / by letter. * [Vtoinf] He has applied to join the army.
use
2 [VN] ~ sth (to sth) to use sth or make sth work in a particular situation:
to apply economic sanctions / political pressure * The new technology was applied to farming.
paint / cream
3 [VN] ~ sth (to sth) to put or spread sth such as paint, cream, etc. onto a surface:
Apply the cream sparingly to your face and neck. * The glue should be applied to both surfaces.
be relevant
4 (not used in the progressive tenses) ~ (to sb/sth) to concern or relate to sb/sth:
[V] Special conditions apply if you are under 18. * What I am saying applies only to some of you. * [VN] The word 'unexciting' could never be applied to her novels.
work hard
5 [VN] ~ yourself (to sth / to doing sth) to work at sth or study sth very hard:
You would pass your exams if you applied yourself. * We applied our minds to finding a solution to our problem.
press hard
6 [VN] to press on sth hard with your hand, foot, etc. to make sth work or have an effect on sth:
to apply the brakes (of a vehicle) * Pressure applied to the wound will stop the bleeding.
