Apply vs. Application — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 15, 2024
Apply involves the action of formally requesting something, typically in pursuit of a goal or benefit, whereas Application refers to the act or process itself, often materialized in a document or digital form.
Difference Between Apply and Application
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Apply is the act of formally requesting something, such as a job, scholarship, or permission, indicating a personal effort or submission. It's a verb that highlights the process of seeking approval or acceptance from an authority or system. For example, one might apply for a loan by submitting necessary documents and waiting for approval. On the other hand, Application refers to the broader process or document involved in applying. It can be a physical or digital form that needs to be filled out, encompassing all necessary details and information required by the authority or system. The application serves as a bridge between the applicant and the opportunity they are pursuing, acting as a repository of information that is evaluated by the decision-makers.
While applying is an action taken by individuals or entities to seek an outcome, the application is the medium through which this action is realized. The act of applying is dynamic, involving steps taken by the applicant, whereas an application is static, representing the state of the applicant’s request at a point in time.
Apply is a verb that focuses on the process from the applicant's perspective, emphasizing the actions they must take to be considered for something. In contrast, an application can be seen as a noun that focuses on the mechanism or tool used in the applying process, encapsulating the applicant’s intentions, qualifications, and requests in a structured format.
Apply is inherently personal and active, involving the decision to pursue something and the subsequent actions taken. Application, meanwhile, is more impersonal and passive, existing as a requirement or step in the process that must be completed and submitted for the applying process to be considered valid.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Noun
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Focus
Action of requesting
Document or process of requesting
Perspective
Applicant’s actions
Mechanism or tool used
Nature
Dynamic, involves ongoing effort
Static, a snapshot in time
Example
Applying for a job by submitting a resume
Filling out a job application form
Compare with Definitions
Apply
To make a formal request or bid for something.
She decided to apply for the scholarship to fund her studies.
Application
A program or piece of software designed to fulfill a particular purpose.
He downloaded an application to manage his finances.
Apply
To be relevant or applicable.
This rule does not apply to everyone.
Application
The act of putting something into operation.
The application of new technology improved efficiency.
Apply
To spread or lay on a surface.
Apply the cream evenly over the skin.
Application
Diligent attention; diligence.
Success in this course requires application and hard work.
Apply
To put something into operation or effect.
He applied the feedback to improve his project.
Application
A formal request to an authority for something.
The application for the building permit was approved.
Apply
To use or employ for a particular purpose.
They applied the new method to increase productivity.
Application
The act of applying as a means or tool.
Her application of logic to solve problems is impressive.
Apply
In mathematics and computer science, apply is a function that applies a function to arguments. It is central to programming languages derived from lambda calculus, such as LISP and Scheme, and also in functional languages.
Application
The act of applying.
Apply
Make a formal application or request
A number of people have applied to vote by proxy
You need to apply to the local authority for a grant
Application
Something applied, such as a cosmetic or curative agent.
Apply
Be applicable or relevant
Normal rules apply
Prices do not apply to public holiday periods
Application
The act of putting something to a special use or purpose
An application of a new method.
Apply
Put or spread (a substance) on a surface
The sealer can be applied to new wood
Application
A specific use to which something is put
The application of science to industry.
Apply
Give one's full attention to a task; work hard
For two years, she applied herself to her studies with dedication
Application
The capacity of being usable; relevance
Geometry has practical application in aviation and navigation.
Apply
To bring into contact with something; put on
Applied glue sparingly to the paper.
Application
Close attention; diligence
Shows application to her work.
Apply
To put to or adapt for a special use
Applies all her money to her mortgage.
Application
A request, as for assistance, employment, or admission to a school.
Apply
To put into action
Applied the brakes.
Application
The form or document on which such a request is made.
Apply
To engage (oneself) in a task with close attention or persistence
Applied myself to my studies.
Application
(Computers) A computer program designed for a specific task or use.
Apply
To be pertinent or relevant
A rule that applies to everyone.
Application
Of or being a computer program designed for a specific task or use
Applications software for a missile guidance system.
Apply
To request or seek assistance, employment, or admission
Applied for unemployment benefits.
Will apply to college next year.
Application
The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense
The application of this cream should reduce the swelling.
Apply
(transitive) To lay or place; to put (one thing to another)
To apply cream to a rash
Application
The substance applied.
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
The act of applying as a means; the employment of means to accomplish an end; specific use.
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 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
(transitive) To put closely; to join; to engage and employ diligently, or with attention
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
(transitive) To address; to refer; generally used reflexively.
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
(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
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
(intransitive) To pertain or be relevant to a specified individual or group.
That rule only applies to foreigners.
Application
The act of requesting, claiming, or petitioning something.
Apply
(obsolete) To busy; to keep at work; to ply.
Application
Diligence; close thought or attention.
Apply
(obsolete) To visit.
Application
A kind of needlework; appliqué.
Apply
Alternative spelling of appley
Application
(obsolete) Compliance.
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
The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense; as, the application of emollients to a diseased limb.
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
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 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
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 fix closely; to engage and employ diligently, or with attention; to attach; to incline.
Apply thine heart unto instruction.
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 direct or address.
Sacred vows . . . applied to grisly Pluto.
Application
The capacity of being practically applied or used; relevancy; as, a rule of general application.
Apply
To betake; to address; to refer; - used reflexively.
I applied myself to him for help.
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 busy; to keep at work; to ply.
She was skillful in applying his "humors."
Application
The act of making request of soliciting; as, an application for an office; he made application to a court of chancery.
Apply
To visit.
And he applied each place so fast.
Application
A request; a document containing a request; as, his application was placed on file.
Apply
To suit; to agree; to have some connection, agreement, or analogy; as, this argument applies well to the case.
Application
A verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school;
December 31 is the deadline for applications
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 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
To ply; to move.
I heard the sound of an oar applying swiftly through the water.
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
To apply or address one's self; to give application; to attend closely (to).
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
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
Liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin;
A lotion for dry skin
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
A diligent effort;
It is a job requiring serious application
Apply
Ask (for something);
He applied for a leave of absence
She applied for college
Apply for a job
Apply
Apply to a surface;
She applied paint to the back of the house
Put on make-up!
Apply
Be applicable to; as to an analysis;
This theory lends itself well to our new data
Apply
Give or convey physically;
She gave him First Aid
I gave him a punch in the nose
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
Apply
Ensure observance of laws and rules;
Apply the rules to everyone
Apply
Refer (a word or name) to a person or thing;
He applied this racial slur to me!
Apply
Apply oneself to;
Please apply yourself to your homework
Common Curiosities
What is an application?
An application can refer to the act of applying, a document or form submitted for a purpose, or a software program designed for specific tasks.
Is an application always in written form?
While traditionally in written form, applications can also be digital or verbal, depending on the context.
What does it mean to apply?
To apply means to make a formal request for something, such as a job or scholarship, or to put something into effect.
Does apply only relate to job applications?
No, apply can relate to many contexts, including loans, permissions, principles, and more.
How important is the application in the applying process?
The application is crucial as it contains all necessary information and officially starts the evaluation process.
Can anyone apply for anything?
Generally, yes, but eligibility may vary based on specific requirements of what one is applying for.
Is it possible to apply without an application?
In some informal contexts, yes, but formal opportunities usually require a structured application.
Can apply be used in contexts other than requests?
Yes, apply can also mean to put something into operation or to be relevant.
What makes a strong application?
A strong application clearly communicates the applicant's qualifications, intentions, and suitability for the opportunity.
What is the difference between an application form and a cover letter?
An application form is a structured document requesting specific information, while a cover letter is a personal letter explaining an applicant's interest and qualifications.
Can application mean diligence?
Yes, in certain contexts, application can refer to the dedication or diligence applied towards a task or learning.
How does applying differ from submitting an application?
Applying is the act of seeking something through effort or request, while submitting an application is the process of providing formal documents or forms as part of that effort.
Can the term application refer to software?
Yes, in technology, an application refers to software designed to perform specific tasks.
How does one apply a concept or principle?
By utilizing the concept or principle in practical situations to achieve specific outcomes.
Is an application always necessary when applying for something?
While not always necessary, most formal processes require an application to formally gather and evaluate the applicant's information.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
