application
High (C1 on CEFR scale, extremely common in academic and professional contexts)Formal to Neutral; occasionally informal when referring to software.
Definition
Meaning
A formal request for something, often in writing.
The action of putting something to use; a program or piece of software designed for a specific purpose; the act of applying effort or attention.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word bridges concrete acts (submitting a form) and abstract concepts (diligent effort). Distinguish between countable 'applications' (forms, software) and uncountable 'application' (effort, relevance).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'App' is slightly more common in US English for software, but 'application' is standard in both. Spelling: 'application form' (both).
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
application for + noun (application for a visa)application of + noun (application of the law)application to + noun/gerund (application to the board, application to solving problems)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On application (available upon request)”
- “In application (when put into practice)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to job requests, funding proposals, or software used for tasks (e.g., 'CRM application').
Academic
Refers to the practical use of a theory or principle (e.g., 'the application of quantum mechanics').
Everyday
Commonly refers to mobile or computer software ('apps') and forms for services.
Technical
A self-contained program or piece of software designed for an end-user.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- apply
American English
- apply
adverb
British English
- applicably
American English
- applicably
adjective
British English
- applicable
- applied
American English
- applicable
- applied
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I filled in an application for a library card.
- This phone has many useful applications.
- Her university application was very strong.
- The practical application of this theory is not yet clear.
- The committee will review all applications received by the deadline.
- His diligent application to his studies resulted in top marks.
- The novel's themes have a broad application to contemporary societal issues.
- We developed a proprietary application to streamline the data analysis process.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of APPlying for a job by filling out an APPLICATION form on your APP.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE TOOLS (their 'application' is their use), REQUESTS ARE JOURNEYS (an 'application' is sent for consideration).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not equivalent to 'апликация' (which means 'appliqué' or 'decoration').
- Can be a false friend for 'заявление' (statement/declaration) in some contexts.
- The software meaning ('приложение') is the same, but the 'effort' meaning ('прилежание') is less obvious.
Common Mistakes
- Misuse of preposition: 'application of a job' (incorrect) vs. 'application for a job'.
- Confusing countable/uncountable: 'He shows great applications' (incorrect) vs. 'He shows great application'.
- Overusing 'application' when 'form' or 'request' is simpler.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'application' to mean 'diligent effort'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'application' is the formal request or form itself. An 'applicant' is the person who submits the application.
Yes, primarily for software. 'App' is informal and almost exclusively refers to a software application, especially on mobile devices. 'Application' remains the formal term in all contexts.
Yes. When it refers to the act of applying something (e.g., 'the application of heat') or diligent effort (e.g., 'success requires application'), it is uncountable.
It depends on the meaning. Use 'for' when it's a request ('an application for a visa'). Use 'of' when it's the use of something ('application of a rule'). Use 'to' when it's directed at someone/thing or the act of applying effort ('application to the dean', 'application to her work').
Collections
Part of a collection
Science and Technology
B1 · 47 words · Basic scientific concepts and modern technology.
Science and Research
B2 · 43 words · Academic and scientific research methodology.
Academic Vocabulary
C1 · 36 words · Formal academic language used in scholarly writing.
Scientific Terminology
C1 · 44 words · Precise vocabulary used in scientific disciplines.