Application vs. Apply: What's the Difference?

Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 30, 2023

Application is a noun referring to the act of applying or a form to be filled out, while Apply is a verb meaning to make a formal request or to put to use.

Key Differences

Application and Apply, while related, serve different grammatical functions and have varied meanings. Application, as a noun, can refer to the act of putting something into operation or can denote a formal request, often manifested as a document, to obtain something, such as a job, admission, or a grant. On the other hand, Apply is a verb that refers to the action of making a formal request or putting something into operation or effect.

In the realm of formal requests, an application is often a structured form or document that individuals fill out to provide necessary information. It is a means to convey one’s eligibility or desire for a specific opportunity or service. Conversely, to apply involves the action of submitting an application or making a formal request. It is the process of seeking approval, acceptance, or fulfillment of a need or desire through formal channels.

When discussing usage or implementation, application refers to the act or a way in which something is used or applied. It represents the practical use or relevance of a method, idea, or resource. In contrast, the term Apply, in this context, denotes the act of putting something into action or service, or utilizing a method, principle, or law. It involves the actual execution or initiation of usage of something in a particular situation or for a specific purpose.

Furthermore, Application can also represent a software program designed to perform specific tasks for the user, reflecting the concept of practical use in the technological domain. Apply, however, remains focused on the action or the process, whether it’s executing a task, utilizing a resource, or implementing a principle, highlighting the dynamic nature of its role in language.

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Noun

Verb

Definition

The act of applying or a form to be filled out.

To make a formal request or to put to use.

Usage in Sentence

Can be a subject or object in a sentence.

Acts as a verb to show action in a sentence.

Related to

Can refer to software, a form, or the act of applying.

Generally related to the action of applying.

Example

“I submitted my application.”

“I will apply for the job.”

Application and Apply Definitions

Application

A way in which something can be used for a particular purpose.

The diverse application of the technology impressed the investors.

Apply

To make a formal request or application, typically in writing.

She decided to apply for the open position.

Application

The act of applying something, such as a method or resource.

The application of the scientific method is crucial in research.

Apply

To put to use or action.

You must apply the brakes gently.

Application

The act of applying.

Apply

To exert physical force, typically against something.

Apply pressure to the wound.

Application

Something applied, such as a cosmetic or curative agent.

Apply

To bring into contact with something; put on

Applied glue sparingly to the paper.

Application

The act of putting something to a special use or purpose

An application of a new method.

Apply

To put to or adapt for a special use

Applies all her money to her mortgage.

Application

A specific use to which something is put

The application of science to industry.

Apply

To put into action

Applied the brakes.

Application

The capacity of being usable; relevance

Geometry has practical application in aviation and navigation.

Apply

To engage (oneself) in a task with close attention or persistence

Applied myself to my studies.

Application

Close attention; diligence

Shows application to her work.

Apply

To be pertinent or relevant

A rule that applies to everyone.

Application

A request, as for assistance, employment, or admission to a school.

Apply

To request or seek assistance, employment, or admission

Applied for unemployment benefits.

Will apply to college next year.

Application

The form or document on which such a request is made.

Apply

(transitive) To lay or place; to put (one thing to another)

To apply cream to a rash

Application

(Computers) A computer program designed for a specific task or use.

Apply

(transitive) To put to use; to use or employ for a particular purpose, or in a particular case

To apply funds to the repayment of a debt

Application

Of or being a computer program designed for a specific task or use

Applications software for a missile guidance system.

Apply

(transitive) To make use of, declare, or pronounce, as suitable, fitting, or relative

We need to apply the skills we've learned to solve this problem

Application

The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense

The application of this cream should reduce the swelling.

Apply

(transitive) To put closely; to join; to engage and employ diligently, or with attention

Application

The substance applied.

Apply

(transitive) To address; to refer; generally used reflexively.

Application

The act of applying as a means; the employment of means to accomplish an end; specific use.

Apply

(intransitive) To submit oneself as a candidate (with the adposition "to" designating the recipient of the submission, and the adposition "for" designating the position).

I recently applied to the tavern for a job as a bartender.

Most of the colleges she applied to were ones she thought she had a good chance of getting into.

Many of them don't know it, but almost a third of the inmates are eligible to apply for parole or work-release programs.

Application

The act of directing or referring something to a particular case, to discover or illustrate agreement or disagreement, fitness, or correspondence.

I make the remark, and leave you to make the application.

The application of a theory to a set of data can be challenging.

Apply

(intransitive) To pertain or be relevant to a specified individual or group.

That rule only applies to foreigners.

Application

(computing) A computer program or the set of software that the end user perceives as a single entity as a tool for a well-defined purpose. (Also called: application program; application software.)

This iPhone application can connect to most social networks.

Apply

(obsolete) To busy; to keep at work; to ply.

Application

A verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school, course or similar.

December 31 is the deadline for MBA applications.

Apply

(obsolete) To visit.

Application

A petition, entreaty, or other request, with the adposition for denoting the subject matter.

Their application for a deferral of the hearing was granted.

Apply

Alternative spelling of appley

Application

The act of requesting, claiming, or petitioning something.

Apply

To lay or place; to put or adjust (one thing to another); - with to; as, to apply the hand to the breast; to apply medicaments to a diseased part of the body.

He said, and the sword his throat applied.

Application

Diligence; close thought or attention.

Apply

To put to use; to use or employ for a particular purpose, or in a particular case; to appropriate; to devote; as, to apply money to the payment of a debt.

Application

A kind of needlework; appliqué.

Apply

To make use of, declare, or pronounce, as suitable, fitting, or relative; as, to apply the testimony to the case; to apply an epithet to a person.

Yet God at lastTo Satan, first in sin, his doom applied.

Application

(obsolete) Compliance.

Apply

To fix closely; to engage and employ diligently, or with attention; to attach; to incline.

Apply thine heart unto instruction.

Application

The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense; as, the application of emollients to a diseased limb.

Apply

To direct or address.

Sacred vows . . . applied to grisly Pluto.

Application

The thing applied.

He invented a new application by which blood might be stanched.

Apply

To betake; to address; to refer; - used reflexively.

I applied myself to him for help.

Application

The act of applying as a means; the employment of means to accomplish an end; specific use.

If a right course . . . be taken with children, there will not be much need of the application of the common rewards and punishments.

Apply

To busy; to keep at work; to ply.

She was skillful in applying his "humors."

Application

The act of directing or referring something to a particular case, to discover or illustrate agreement or disagreement, fitness, or correspondence; as, I make the remark, and leave you to make the application; the application of a theory.

Apply

To visit.

And he applied each place so fast.

Application

That part of a sermon or discourse in which the principles before laid down and illustrated are applied to practical uses; the "moral" of a fable.

Apply

To suit; to agree; to have some connection, agreement, or analogy; as, this argument applies well to the case.

Application

The capacity of being practically applied or used; relevancy; as, a rule of general application.

Apply

To make request; to have recourse with a view to gain something; to make application. (to); to solicit; as, to apply to a friend for information.

Application

The act of fixing the mind or closely applying one's self; assiduous effort; close attention; as, to injure the health by application to study.

Had his application been equal to his talents, his progress might have been greater.

Apply

To ply; to move.

I heard the sound of an oar applying swiftly through the water.

Application

The act of making request of soliciting; as, an application for an office; he made application to a court of chancery.

Apply

To apply or address one's self; to give application; to attend closely (to).

Application

A request; a document containing a request; as, his application was placed on file.

Apply

Put into service; make work or employ (something) for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose;

Use your head!

We only use Spanish at home

I can't make use of this tool

Apply a magnetic field here

This thinking was applied to many projects

How do you utilize this tool?

I apply this rule to get good results

Use the plastic bags to store the food

He doesn't know how to use a computer

Application

A verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school;

December 31 is the deadline for applications

Apply

Be pertinent or relevant or applicable;

The same laws apply to you!

This theory holds for all irrational numbers

The same rules go for everyone

Application

The act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose;

He advocated the application of statistics to the problem

A novel application of electronics to medical diagnosis

Apply

Ask (for something);

He applied for a leave of absence

She applied for college

Apply for a job

Application

A program that gives a computer instructions that provide the user with tools to accomplish a task;

He has tried several different word processing applications

Apply

Apply to a surface;

She applied paint to the back of the house

Put on make-up!

Application

The work of applying something;

The doctor prescribed a topical application of iodine

A complete bleach requires several applications

The surface was ready for a coating of paint

Apply

Be applicable to; as to an analysis;

This theory lends itself well to our new data

Application

Liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin;

A lotion for dry skin

Apply

Give or convey physically;

She gave him First Aid

I gave him a punch in the nose

Application

A diligent effort;

It is a job requiring serious application

Apply

Avail oneself to;

Apply a principle

Practice a religion

Use care when going down the stairs

Use your common sense

Practice non-violent resistance

Application

A formal request to be considered for a position or to be granted something.

His application for the scholarship was successful.

Apply

Ensure observance of laws and rules;

Apply the rules to everyone

Application

The act of putting something to use or in operation.

The application of the new law caused much debate.

Apply

Refer (a word or name) to a person or thing;

He applied this racial slur to me!

Application

A computer software program designed to perform a group of coordinated functions or tasks.

The new application allows users to organize their schedules efficiently.

Apply

Apply oneself to;

Please apply yourself to your homework

Apply

To be relevant or applicable.

The rule doesn’t apply to this case.

Apply

To use (a law, rule, or method) in a particular situation or for a specific purpose.

The judge will apply the law fairly.

FAQs

Can Apply relate to physical actions?

Yes, like when you apply pressure to something.

Does Apply always mean to make a request?

No, it can also mean to put into action, use, or have relevance.

Is Application always a noun?

Yes, Application is a noun.

Is Apply used when putting laws into action?

Yes, a law can be applied in specific situations.

Is Apply always a verb?

Yes, Apply is a verb.

Can one apply for an application?

Yes, to apply usually means to submit an application.

Can Application be used to describe the act of applying something?

Yes, like in the application of a method or principle.

Is Application always a written form?

Often, but it can also refer to the act of applying, software, or usage.

Can Apply mean to exert force?

Yes, like when you apply force or pressure.

Can Application refer to software?

Yes, it can refer to a software program designed to perform specific tasks.

Can the term Application refer to the act of putting to use?

Yes, it can denote the act or a way of using something.

Can Apply be used to denote relevance?

Yes, it can mean to have relevance or applicability.

Does Application always mean applying for something?

No, it can also refer to usage, act of applying, or software.

Can Application be the subject of a sentence?

Yes, like in "The application was approved."

Can Apply be used in passive voice?

Yes, like in "The rules were applied strictly."

Desire vs. Wish

Unabled vs. Unable

About Author

Written by

Janet White

Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

Edited by

Aimie Carlson

Aimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.