application

A request for a job, a place on a course, or official help, often made using a form.

• Please fill in this application form.
• He submitted an application for the job.
• Have you heard anything about your college applications?

How to use it: application for something (Her application for a visa was approved.); application to someone/something (I sent an application to the university.)

Similar words: request

Common phrases: job application, application form, submit an application

A purpose for which something can be used.

• This discovery has many practical applications.
• The device has an application in farming.
• Can you think of other applications for this material?

How to use it: application in something (The material has several applications in medicine.); application for something (We found a new application for this technology.)

Similar words: use, purpose

Common phrases: practical application, medical application, potential application

A computer program designed to help you do a particular task.

• Open the application on your computer.
• This application lets you edit photos.
• I installed several applications on my new laptop.

Similar words: app, program

Common phrases: mobile application, desktop application, open an application

The act of using a rule, idea, or method in a real situation.

• The application of these rules must be fair.
• This course teaches the practical application of scientific ideas.
• Careful application of the method improved our results.

How to use it: application of something to something (We studied the application of this theory to everyday problems.)

Similar words: use, implementation

Common phrases: application of rules, practical application, consistent application

The act of spreading or putting a substance onto a surface.

• One application of paint was enough.
• The cream needs daily application.
• Repeat applications of sunscreen after swimming.

How to use it: application of something to something (Application of the cream to broken skin may cause pain.)

Opposites: removal

Common phrases: application of cream, daily application, application of paint, application of lotion