0 present participle of apply
1 to request something, usually officially, especially in writing or by sending in a form:
By the time I saw the job advertised it was already too late to apply.
Please apply in writing to the address below.
We've applied to a charitable organization for a grant for the project.
[ + to infinitive ] Mandy applied to join the police.
2 (especially of rules or laws) to have a connection or be important:
That part of the form is for UK citizens - it doesn't apply to you.
Those were old regulations - they don't apply any more.
3 to make use of something or use it for a practical purpose:
4 to spread or rub a substance such as cream or paint on a surface:
5 If you apply yourself to something, you work hard at it, directing your abilities and efforts in a determined way so that you succeed:
He had an inspiration - why not apply for some government money?
People who apply for housing benefit must be means-tested.
We've applied to a charitable organization for a grant for the project.
The law will apply equally to men and women except in the case of maternity leave.
