apply

Where does the word "apply" come from? It comes from Latin applicare, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Apply’s story begins in Latin: applicare meant “to fold toward, to attach.” To fold toward, to attach, from ad- (toward) and plicare (to fold). It reached English by 1300s as apply. Settled as the English word for putting something to use, or making a formal request. Today, apply means to put something into use, or to make a formal request for something.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient applicare "to fold toward, to attach", to fold toward, to attach, from ad- (toward) and plicare (to fold).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1300s apply "to put something to use, or to make a formal request", settled as the English word for putting something to use, or making a formal request.