applied

UK: əˈplaɪd | US: əˈplaɪd

Definition
  1. adj. (of knowledge or skills) put to practical use

  2. adj. (of a subject of study) concerned with practical applications rather than theory

  3. v. past tense and past participle of apply

Structure
apply <to put to use>ed <past participle suffix>
Etymology

applied = apply<to put to use> + ed<past participle suffix>

  • apply: From Latin applicare ("to attach, join to"), from ad- (toward) + plicare (to fold). Evolved to mean "to put into practical use" in Middle English.
  • ed: A common English suffix indicating past tense or past participle.

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin applicare, combining ad- (toward) and plicare (to fold), originally implying physical attachment. Over time, it broadened to abstract "application" of effort or knowledge. The suffix -ed marks its participle form, turning the verb into an adjective describing something actively used.

Examples
  1. She holds a degree in applied mathematics.

  2. The theory was successfully applied in engineering projects.

  3. He applied for the job but never received a response.

  4. These rules are strictly applied in all departments.

  5. The ointment should be applied gently to the affected area.