Application Definition: Usage, Phrases, and Interactive Practice

Consider using these examples to define an “application” and how people refer to it:

Acquiring the vocabulary associated with “application” will assist you in communicating about forms, requests, and uses more confidently.

Related nouns: submission filing proposal

Synonyms (contextual): form document petition

Common collocations: job application online application university application

Have a glance at the following phrases to get a better idea of how the “application” is commonly used in spoken English:

With adjectives: online application formal application written application

With verbs: fill out an application submit an application complete an application

With nouns (noun + noun): application form application process application deadline

The usefulness of the term “application” can be seen in different phrases used commonly for getting its delivery and completion.

• Submit an application — to give your form or request to an organization.

  She submitted her job application online yesterday.

• Fill out an application — to complete all the required information on a form.

  He filled out an application for a library card.

• Review an application — to look at someone’s form or request carefully.

  The university staff reviewed all applications before making decisions.

• Process an application — to handle a form or request officially.

  The office processed my application within three days.

• Approve an application — to accept a request or form.

  The bank approved his loan application quickly.

Practice with these questions to evaluate how well you have understood the “application.”

Take a look at how to say “application” in three widely spoken European languages.

The applications we use in our everyday life from schools to government offices are critically important because they are the only thing that a simple document can decide upon making a great impact.

• The oldest known application form comes from ancient China.

  People who wanted to get a government job had to submit handwritten requests and take a strict exam. These application processes were meant to determine knowledge and writing proficiency.

• There are visa applications that require more than 20 different documents.

  Newcomers have to get ready with forms, pictures, letters, and proof of funds. Thus, the process becomes very long, very detailed, and very organized.

• In the early 1900s, job applications could be filled out only with an ink pen.

  The corporate world was of the opinion that clean handwriting was an indication of discipline and good personality. Presently, the world has gone digital, but still the notion of projecting your best image in a resume persists.

The term application is frequently used in discussions of converting one’s intentions into actions throughout literature and oratory. The cited quotations show how highly philosophers appreciate the practice of acting in a purposeful way.