Verb B1 — Intermediate /əˈplaɪ/

Apply — Definition, Examples & Pronunciation

To put into use or to formally request — a high-frequency academic and professional verb.

Quick Definition

To apply means to make a formal request for something, or to put a rule, skill, or substance into practical use.

What Does Apply Mean?

The word apply is one of the most frequently used words in the English language. It appears in everyday conversation, academic writing, news media, and literature at B1 — Intermediate level. Learners who master apply alongside its common collocations and word family will find their fluency improving rapidly.

Understanding exactly when and how to use apply requires attention to context. Many ESL learners know the basic meaning but struggle with the subtle differences between apply and its nearest synonyms. Paying attention to how native speakers use the word in real sentences — rather than just memorising an isolated definition — is the key to internalising it correctly.

The word family built around apply extends its usefulness considerably. Related adjectives, adverbs, and nouns built on the same root allow you to express nuanced ideas with greater precision. When you learn apply, try to also learn two or three related forms so that you can use the concept flexibly across different grammatical contexts.

Example Sentences

SentenceUsage note
She needed to apply in this situation.basic use
It is apply to understand the context.adjective/verb context
The teacher asked students to apply the exercise.educational context

Synonyms

useemployutiliserequestsubmitpractise

Antonyms

ignoreneglectwithdrawremove

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

Common mistake: misusing apply without correct grammar pattern.

Correct: always study apply in full sentence context to see how it combines with other words.

Related Vocabulary

All Common Words → Grammar Glossary Vocabulary Hub Flash Cards

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Complete the Sentence Vocabulary Quiz Hangman

Frequently Asked Questions about “apply”

What does apply mean?
Apply means: To make a formal request or to put something into practical use. It is commonly used at B1 — Intermediate level in English and appears frequently in both spoken and written English.
What part of speech is apply?
Apply is a verb. It describes an action or state. Understanding the part of speech helps you use apply in grammatically correct sentences.
How do you use apply in a sentence?
Here are three examples: 1) 'This is a apply situation.' 2) 'We need to apply carefully.' 3) 'The apply of this process is important.' The word apply works best when you study it in full context rather than in isolation.
What is the CEFR level for apply?
The word apply is at B1 — Intermediate on the CEFR scale. This means it is an important intermediate-level word that appears regularly in B1-B2 exam vocabulary lists.
What are synonyms for apply?
Common synonyms include words that share a similar meaning to apply. When choosing a synonym, always consider the context — slight differences in meaning or register can change how natural a sentence sounds. Practise with LexFizz Flash Cards to learn synonyms efficiently.
What is the opposite of apply?
The opposite (antonym) of apply helps you understand the full range of meaning. Knowing antonyms alongside the main word doubles your vocabulary in one go. For example, learning 'fast' and 'slow' together makes both words stick better in memory.
Is apply formal or informal?
The word apply is versatile and works in both formal and informal contexts at B1 — Intermediate level. In academic writing, you may find more specific synonyms used in its place, but apply itself is entirely appropriate in essays, reports, emails, and conversations.
How do I remember the meaning of apply?
Try associating apply with a vivid image or a memorable sentence. Writing three example sentences with apply and saying them aloud is one of the most effective memorisation strategies. LexFizz's Flash Cards exercise uses spaced repetition to help vocabulary like apply transfer to long-term memory.
What are common collocations with apply?
Collocations are words that naturally appear together. Learning apply as part of a collocation phrase rather than in isolation makes it much easier to use correctly. Study real-world examples in articles, stories, and exercises to build a natural sense for which words combine with apply.
How can I practise using apply on LexFizz?
LexFizz's Flash Cards, Complete the Sentence, and Quiz exercises all feature high-frequency vocabulary including apply. Try the Hangman exercise for a fun way to revise spelling, and use the Word Search to recognise apply quickly in context. Regular short practice sessions are more effective than occasional long ones.