Advertisement

Origin and history of applicable

applicable(adj.)

1650s, "capable of being applied, suitable, appropriate," from Latin stem of apply (v.) + -able. Earlier in this sense was appliable (mid-15c.), and applicable formerly meant "pliable, well-disposed" (1560s).

also from 1650s

Entries linking to applicable

apply(v.)

late 14c., "join or combine (with); attach (to something), adhere," from Old French aploiier "apply, use, attach" (12c., Modern French appliquer), from Latin applicare "attach to, join, connect;" figuratively, "devote (oneself) to, give attention," from ad "to" (see ad-) + plicare "fold" (from PIE root *plek- "to plait").

The etymological sense is "bring things in contact with one another." In English, from c. 1400 as "use or employ" something for a certain purpose." From early 15c. in reference to lotions, plasters, etc., "place in contact with the body," also, of one's mental powers or faculties, "put to work at a task or pursuit." The meaning "seek a job by submitting an application for one" is from 1851. A by-form applicate is recorded from 1530s. Related: Applied; applying.

applicability(n.)

"capability of being used," 1650s, from applicable + -ity. Earlier was appliableness (1580s), now obsolete.

Advertisement

More to explore

pertain
belong to" and directly from Latin pertinere "to reach, stretch; relate, have reference to; belong, be the right of; be applicable...
oratory
.: the word is equally applicable to the presentation of one's own or of another's thoughts. [Century Dictionary]...
commonplace
translation of Latin locus communis, itself a translation of Greek koinos topos "general topic," in logic, "general theme applicable...
personal
The meaning "applicable to, directed at, or aimed at some particular person" (usually in a hostile manner) is attested from...
echoic
It means word-making or word-coining and is strictly as applicable to Comte's altruisme as to cuckoo....
colonize
upon steady and uniform principles, and of a large British factory, for the beneficial management of its trade, upon rules applicable...
between
Between is literally applicable only to two objects; but it may be and commonly is used of more than two where they are spoken...
serious
early 15c., "arranged in sequence, continuous" (a sense now obsolete); mid-15c., of persons, "expressing earnest purpose or thought, resolute," from Old French serios "grave, earnest" (14c., Modern French sérieux) and directly from Late Latin seriosus, from Latin serius "weighty,
fiscal
1560s, "pertaining to public revenue," from French fiscal, from Late Latin fiscalis "of or belonging to the state treasury," from Latin fiscus "state treasury," originally "money bag, purse, basket made of twigs (in which money was kept)," which is of unknown origin. The etymolog
grave
"excavation in earth for reception of a dead body," Old English græf "grave; ditch, trench; cave," from Proto-Germanic *grafa-/graba- (source also of Old Saxon graf, Old Frisian gref, Old High German grab "grave, tomb;" Old Norse gröf "cave," Gothic graba "ditch"), cognate with O

Share applicable

Advertisement
Trending
Dictionary entries near applicable
Advertisement