Applying: meaning, definitions and examples

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applying

 

[ əˈplaɪɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

job search

Submitting a resume or application for a job or program.

Synonyms

requesting, seeking, submitting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
applying

Used when trying to get something officially, often referring to jobs, schools, or permits.

  • She is applying for a job
  • He is applying to universities
  • They are applying for a visa
submitting

Used when formally giving something, especially documents or applications, to someone for approval.

  • She is submitting her resignation letter
  • He is submitting an assignment
  • They are submitting a grant proposal
seeking

Used when actively looking for something or someone, often used in more formal or serious contexts.

  • She is seeking advice
  • He is seeking employment
  • They are seeking investors
requesting

Used when asking for something formally or politely, such as information, permissions, or services.

  • She is requesting more information
  • He is requesting a meeting
  • They are requesting permission to leave early

Examples of usage

  • Many people are applying for the position.
  • She spent hours applying to different companies.
  • I will be applying to grad school next year.
Context #2 | Verb

putting on

To put or spread something onto a surface.

Synonyms

putting on, rubbing, spreading.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
applying

Use this word in formal or instructional contexts when referring to putting something onto a surface or into action.

  • She is applying for a job at the new company.
  • Applying sunscreen before going outside is crucial.
putting on

This phrase is common in everyday, informal conversations and is used when talking about wearing clothes or accessories, or starting to use something.

  • He is putting on his jacket before leaving the house.
  • I'm putting on some music to relax.
spreading

This word is used when discussing distributing or laying something out evenly over a surface.

  • She is spreading butter on her toast.
  • The news of their engagement quickly started spreading.
rubbing

This word is suitable for describing the action of repeatedly pressing and moving something across a surface, often to create warmth or to clean.

  • She is rubbing her hands together to stay warm.
  • He was rubbing the stain with some soap.

Examples of usage

  • She is applying sunscreen before going to the beach.
  • He is applying paint to the walls.

Translations

Translations of the word "applying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aplicando

🇮🇳 लागू करना

🇩🇪 anwenden

🇮🇩 menerapkan

🇺🇦 застосування

🇵🇱 stosowanie

🇯🇵 適用

🇫🇷 appliquer

🇪🇸 aplicando

🇹🇷 uygulamak

🇰🇷 적용

🇸🇦 تطبيق

🇨🇿 aplikování

🇸🇰 uplatňovanie

🇨🇳 应用

🇸🇮 uporaba

🇮🇸 að beita

🇰🇿 қолдану

🇬🇪 გამოყენება

🇦🇿 tətbiq etmək

🇲🇽 aplicando

Etymology

The word 'applying' originates from the Old French word 'apliquer' meaning 'set in motion'. It entered the English language in the 14th century. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the act of putting something onto a surface or submitting an application for a job or program.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,810, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.