applications

IPA/ˌæp.lɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/
KK[ˌæpləkˈeʃənz]IPA/ˌæp.ləˈkeɪ.ʃən/

applications — noun

  • applicationssingular
  • applicationsesplural

1. a formal written request for something such as a job, a place at a school, permi

1.名詞B1
釋義

a formal written request for something such as a job, a place at a school, permission to do something, or financial help

例句

Ezra submitted his job application to the hospital last week.

application + for + noun phrase: 'job application'

The university received over three thousand applications this year.

同義詞
  • request

    more general; an application is always formal and often written

  • petition

    more formal, often legal or collective; implies asking for change or relief

  • proposal

    suggests offering a plan rather than asking for something already available

文法句型

application + for + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used with verbs like submit, send in, fill out, make, and approve. The preposition for introduces the thing being requested.

常見錯誤

I sent an application in the company.
I sent an application to the company.
💡the company is the destination, use 'to.'
I made application for the job.
I submitted an application for the job.
💡use 'submitted an application' or 'applied for.'

2. a piece of software designed to help a user perform a specific task on a compute

2.名詞B1
釋義

a piece of software designed to help a user perform a specific task on a computer, phone, or other digital device

例句

Lucía downloaded a language-learning application on her phone.

compound: 'language-learning application'

This photo-editing application costs very little to buy.

compound: 'photo-editing application'

同義詞
  • app

    informal short form; very common in everyday speech

  • software

    broader term; software refers to any computer program, not just task-specific tools

  • program

    more general; can refer to any set of instructions a computer runs

文法句型

application + for + noun phrase

application + that-clause

用法筆記

Often shortened to 'app' in informal speech. Common collocations include download, install, open, run, update, and uninstall.

常見錯誤

I need to download a new application program.
I need to download a new application.
💡'application' already means the program; adding 'program' is redundant.

3. a particular way that something such as a discovery, method, or skill can be use

3.名詞B2
釋義

a particular way that something such as a discovery, method, or skill can be used in real life or in a specific field

例句

The researchers found a useful application for this new material.

pattern: 'find an application for [something]'

One practical application of AI is in medical diagnosis.

pattern: 'application of [something] in [field]'

同義詞
  • use

    simpler and more general; 'application' sounds more formal and specific

  • implementation

    focuses on putting a plan or idea into practice

  • usage

    similar but broader; 'application' often implies a purpose-driven use

文法句型

application + of + noun phrase

application + in + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often used in the plural (applications) when listing multiple uses. Common in academic, technical, and business contexts.

常見錯誤

This new technology has application for many areas.
This new technology has applications in many areas.
💡use the plural for multiple uses, and 'in' rather than 'for.'

4. steady effort and careful attention that someone gives to their work or studies

4.名詞B2
釋義

steady effort and careful attention that someone gives to their work or studies across a long stretch

例句

Putri succeeded through steady application and many hours of study.

collocation: 'steady application'

Stefan's application to the task impressed his manager a great deal.

pattern: 'application + to + noun phrase'

同義詞
  • diligence

    very close in meaning; suggests careful, persistent effort

  • dedication

    emphasizes loyalty and commitment more than the effort itself

  • perseverance

    stresses continuing despite difficulties rather than careful attention

反義詞
  • laziness

    lack of effort or willingness to work

  • negligence

    failure to give proper attention to a task

文法句型

application + to + noun phrase

用法筆記

This sense is uncountable and formal. It is often paired with adjectives like steady, great, consistent, diligent, or remarkable. Common in educational and professional references.

常見錯誤

He showed many applications to his work.
He showed great application to his work.
💡this sense is uncountable, so use 'much / great' not 'many.'

5. the action of spreading material like lotion or colour onto a surface, or the co

5.名詞B1
釋義

the action of spreading material like lotion or colour onto a surface, or the coating that results from this

例句

Feng spread a thin application of paint over the wooden fence.

collocation: 'thin application of [substance]'

The nurse cleaned the wound before applying a fresh application of cream.

collocation: 'fresh application of [cream/ointment]'

同義詞
  • coat

    more common for paint; 'application' is broader and includes creams and glue

  • layer

    focuses on the result rather than the act of putting it on

文法句型

application + of + noun phrase

application + to + noun phrase

用法筆記

Can be countable ('a thin application') or uncountable ('daily application of sunscreen'). Common with medical creams, paint, glue, varnish, and skincare products.

常見錯誤

Put three application of paint on the wall.
Put three applications of paint on the wall.
💡when countable with a number, use the plural 'applications.'

6. how a regulation, law, or principle connects with or affects a specific person,

6.名詞B2
釋義

how a regulation, law, or principle connects with or affects a specific person, group, or circumstance

例句

The new tax law has a direct application to small business owners.

pattern: 'have + application + to + noun phrase'

Eliska questioned the application of this rule to her specific case.

pattern: 'application of [rule] + to [case]'

同義詞
  • relevance

    focuses on whether something is connected or important; 'application' implies active enforcement or use

  • enforcement

    suggests making sure a rule is followed, not just its relation to a situation

反義詞

文法句型

application + of + noun phrase

application + to + noun phrase

用法筆記

Common in legal, regulatory, and policy contexts. The preposition to introduces who or what the rule affects. Frequently used in the singular even when referring to multiple situations.

常見錯誤

The rule has no application of this situation.
The rule has no application to this situation.
💡use 'to,' not 'of,' to introduce the situation affected.