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Applicable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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applicable

[ษ™หˆplษชkษ™b(ษ™)l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a specific situation

Capable of being applied; relevant or suitable to a particular situation.

Synonyms

appropriate, relevant, suitable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
applicable

Used when referring to rules, laws, or principles that can be applied in a particular situation.

  • The new regulations are not applicable to companies with fewer than 50 employees
  • The discount is applicable only to online purchases
relevant

Used when something is directly related or important to the subject being discussed or considered.

  • The lawyer presented relevant evidence to support her case
  • Please include only information that is relevant to the topic
suitable

Used when something is right or acceptable for a specific person or purpose.

  • This movie is not suitable for children
  • We need to find a suitable candidate for the job
appropriate

Used when something is fitting or proper for a specific situation, often considering social norms or expectations.

  • It is not appropriate to wear jeans to a formal event
  • Her speech was appropriate for the occasion

Examples of usage

  • This rule is not applicable in this case.
  • Please provide applicable evidence to support your claim.
Context #2 | Adjective

in a general sense

Capable of being put to use or put into practice; relevant in all cases.

Synonyms

effective, practical, usable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
applicable

Used to describe something that can be applied to a particular situation or case.

  • The rules are applicable to all students
  • This advice is applicable in most cases
practical

Used when describing something that is sensible and realistic, or can be used in actual situations.

  • A practical solution to the problem is to divide the work among people
  • The car is very practical for a family
usable

Describes something that can be used; functional and in good enough condition to serve a purpose.

  • The old phone is still usable, but itโ€™s slow
  • We need to make sure the equipment is usable before starting the project
effective

Used to describe something that works well and produces the intended result.

  • The new medicine is very effective in treating the disease
  • Her methods are highly effective in improving test scores

Examples of usage

  • The new regulations are applicable to all employees.
  • This software is applicable across various industries.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

  • In law, the term often describes rules or regulations that are relevant to a particular case or situation.
  • Judges consider whether certain laws are applicable when making decisions in court, guiding the outcome of cases.
  • Applicable laws change based on jurisdiction, highlighting how laws may vary between different locations.

Education

  • In educational settings, applicable knowledge refers to information that students can use in real-life situations.
  • Teachers encourage students to think about how what they learn applies to the world outside of the classroom.
  • Real-world application of skills is vital for preparing students for future careers.

Technology

  • In tech, software features must be applicable to usersโ€™ needs for them to be valuable and widely adopted.
  • User experience designers often analyze how applicable a feature is to improve the usability of an application.
  • Terms and conditions should detail applicable data usage, ensuring users comprehend how their information will be handled.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often debate the applicability of moral principles in different contexts, questioning if rules are universal.
  • Ethics discussions frequently focus on whether a theory is applicable in real-life situations or merely theoretical.
  • Applying philosophical concepts to daily life can strengthen understanding and relevance of abstract ideas.

Origin of 'applicable'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'applicable' comes from the Latin 'applicabilis,' meaning 'able to be applied.'
  • Its roots, 'applicare,' combine 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'plicare' meaning 'fold,' suggesting bringing something into use.
  • The English version became common in the late 14th century, evolving from similar words relating to use and application.

The word 'applicable' originated from the Latin word 'applicabilis', which means 'capable of being applied'. The term has been used in English since the late 16th century. Over time, 'applicable' has evolved to encompass the idea of being relevant or suitable in various contexts, both specific and general.

See also: appliance, applicability, applicant, applicants, application, applicator, applied, applier, apply, applying, inapplicability, inapplicable, misapplication, misapply.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,459, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.