reapply
B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To make an application or request again.
To submit a formal request for a second or further time, especially after a previous rejection, lapse, or change in circumstances. Can also refer to the act of putting a substance onto a surface again.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word inherently implies a prior attempt, failure, or need for renewal. The object of the application (job, university, loan, cream) is crucial for meaning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Spelling of derived nouns may vary: 'reapplication' (both) is standard, but 're-application' with a hyphen is slightly more common in BrE.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Carries connotations of perseverance or necessity.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects, common in administrative, academic, and professional contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + reapply + for + [Noun Phrase][Subject] + reapply + to + [Institution][Subject] + reapply + [Direct Object (e.g., cream)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is often used in the phrase 'If at first you don't succeed, (try, try again).']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
You must reapply for the professional certification every three years.
Academic
Students who are deferred may reapply to the programme the following autumn.
Everyday
Don't forget to reapply your insect repellent every four hours.
Technical
The technician will need to reapply the thermal paste to the processor.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- If your licence has expired, you'll need to reapply to the DVLA.
- She decided to reapply to Cambridge after improving her A-level grades.
- You should reapply the wood stain after sanding the surface.
American English
- If your benefits were denied, you can reapply with additional documentation.
- He plans to reapply to the law school in the next admissions cycle.
- Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours at the beach.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form. 'Again' is used.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form. 'Again' is used.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival form in common use. 'Reapplication' is the noun.]
American English
- [No standard adjectival form in common use. 'Reapplication' is the noun.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I will reapply for my library card tomorrow.
- You must reapply the glue.
- If you don't get the job, you can reapply in six months.
- The paint is dry, so you can reapply a second coat.
- After her visa was refused, she sought legal advice before deciding to reapply.
- The committee suggested he reapply for the grant with a more detailed proposal.
- Candidates who are unsuccessful in this round are encouraged to reapply once they have accrued further relevant experience.
- The coating degrades under UV light, necessitating that it be reapplied biannually.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE + APPLY. Just like REpeat and APPLY. You are doing the action of applying all over again.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A FORMAL PROCESS; PERSEVERANCE IS RE-ENTERING A QUEUE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid calquing with 'применить снова' for job/visa contexts. Use 'подать заявку/заявление ещё раз' or 'подавать заново'. 'Применить снова' is more for substances or actions, not applications.
- Do not confuse with 'повторно обратиться', which is more general ('to contact again').
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong preposition: 'reapply on a position' (incorrect) vs. 'reapply for a position' (correct).
- Misspelling as two words: 're apply'.
- Using it without implying a previous attempt, which is redundant: 'I will reapply for the first time.'
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'reapply' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is one word: 'reapply'. The hyphenated form 're-apply' is less common but sometimes seen, especially in British English.
The standard noun is 'reapplication' (e.g., 'submit a reapplication').
Yes, that is its most common use. It implies the initial application was unsuccessful, lapsed, or requires updating.
'Renew' often implies extending the validity of something existing (renew a passport). 'Reapply' suggests going through the full application process again from the start, often after a rejection or a significant break.