appliest

Verb

apply (third-person singular simple present applies, present participle applying, simple past and past participle applied)

1. (transitive) To lay or place; to put (one thing to another)
   • to apply cream to a rash
2. (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

   Synonyms:

   appropriate, devote, use

3. (transitive) To make use of, declare, or pronounce, as suitable, fitting, or relevant.
   • We need to apply the skills we’ve learned to solve this problem.
4. (transitive) To put closely; to join; to engage and employ diligently or with attention.
   • Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Proverbs 23:12

   Synonyms:

   attach, incline

5. (reflexive) To work diligently and attentively.
   • My parents say I could do well in school if I would apply myself.
6. (reflexive, transitive, usually) To address oneself; to refer.
   • sacred vows […] applied to grisly Pluto1725, Homer, “Book X”, in [Alexander Pope], transl., The Odyssey of Homer. […], volume III, London: […] Bernard Lintot, →OCLC

See all 10 meanings of apply