What does applying mean?
Applying is the present participle of the verb 'apply', one of the most versatile verbs in English. Its dominant sense today is making a formal request — applying for a job, a visa, a university place, or a loan — a usage so central that 'application' has become a noun in its own right. A second major sense is putting something into direct use or contact: applying sunscreen, applying pressure, or applying a theory to a real-world problem. The word carries no strong connotation; it is equally at home in casual conversation and formal writing. Etymologically it descends from the Latin 'plicare', meaning to fold, which also gives us 'ply', 'pliable', and 'replica'. Because it spans both bureaucratic procedure and hands-on action, 'applying' is a useful word for describing effort directed toward a concrete goal, whether on paper or in practice.
verbThe present participle and gerund of the verb 'apply': to make a formal request or put something into practical use.
- Making a formal written or verbal request, especially for a job, place, or license.
- Putting a substance, rule, or skill into practical use or contact with something.
"She spent the weekend applying for internships across three cities."
"He is applying to several universities this autumn."
"The nurse was carefully applying ointment to the wound."
The word 'apply' traces back to Latin 'plicare' — to fold — so every time you apply for a job, you're linguistically folding your hopes into an envelope.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of applying
The verb 'apply' entered English in the late Middle English period, borrowed from Old French 'aplier', itself from Latin 'applicare' — 'to attach or fold onto' — formed from 'ad-' (toward) plus 'plicare' (to fold). The same root produced 'ply', 'pliable', 'employ', and 'replicate'. The sense of formally requesting something developed later, becoming especially prominent with the rise of written job and school applications in the modern era.
Related word forms
How applying is actually used
Neutral register, common in both everyday and formal contexts. In job-seeking contexts it is almost always followed by 'for'; in physical contexts ('applying cream', 'applying the brakes') it takes a direct object.
Easily confused with applying
'Applying' means making a request or putting something to use, while 'replying' means responding to a message or question.