Applicable
/ˈæplɪkəbl/
adjectiveIntermediate📊CommonDescriptive
1 meaning2 questions
Definitions
1
Suitable or relevant in the given circumstances.
/ˈæplɪkəbl/
adjectiveneutralIntermediate
Descriptive
Relevant or suitable in a particular situation
This rule is applicable to all members of the club.
💡 Simply: Something that fits or works in a specific situation.
More Examples
2
The new policy is applicable from next month.
How It's Used
Legal
"The law is applicable to all citizens."
Business
"This discount is applicable only to online purchases."
From Middle English *applicable*, from Latin *applicabilis*, from *applicare* "to apply".
The word has maintained a consistent meaning throughout its history, relating to the application or relevance of something.
Memory tip
Think of 'applying' something – if it fits, it's applicable.
Word Origin
LanguageLatin
Original meaning
"capable of being applied"
Base: apply
applicable lawapplicable regulationsapplicable to
Common misspellings
aplicableaplicable
Practice
Usage
30%Spoken
70%Written