What is applicant? Pronunciation and usage in English

applicant means . Learn how to pronounce and use applicant through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of applicant

applicantnoun

/ˈæplɪkənt//ˈæplɪkənt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "applicant." It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • App- – This part sounds like "app" as in "apple."
  • -pli- – This part is the key. It’s pronounced like “plee” (as in “pleasure”) followed by a short “t” sound.
  • -cant – This ends with “cant” sounding like “kunt” but with a softer "t" sound.

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced roughly as: "Ap-ˈplɪ-kənt"

Here’s a more detailed breakdown and tips:

  • ˈ (Stress Mark): The little line like a hat (ˈ) over the syllable "pli" indicates that this syllable is the stressed syllable. It’s the part of the word you emphasize when you say it.
  • The "t" sound in "cant": Don't overemphasize the "t." It’s a very soft, almost silent "t" at the end. Think of it almost disappearing.

Resources to Help You Hear It:

To help me tailor the explanation further, could you tell me:

  • What's your first language? (This can sometimes influence pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word applicant in English

Let's break down how to use the word "applicant" in English. It's a fairly formal word, and it's primarily used in professional and official contexts.

1. Definition:

  • Applicant: A person who applies for a job, a loan, a grant, a university place, or another opportunity. Essentially, it's someone who requests something.

2. Common Usage:

  • Job Applications: This is the most frequent usage.

    • "The company received a large number of applicants for the marketing position."
    • "Please submit your resume and cover letter as part of your application." (Note: "Application" is the noun form of the process, and "applicant" is the person going through it.)
    • "We are reviewing all applicants carefully."

  • Loans and Grants:

    • "The applicant needs to provide proof of income."
    • "The bank assessed the applicant's creditworthiness."

  • University Admissions:

    • "Each applicant must complete the online application form."
    • "The admissions committee will review all applicants’ transcripts."

  • Other Opportunities: It can be used for general requests.

    • “The applicant for the scholarship had a strong academic record.”

3. Grammar and Usage Notes:

  • Plural: The plural form is applicants.

    • "The applicants were interviewed individually."

  • "Applicant" as an Adjective: You can sometimes use "applicant" as an adjective to describe something related to an applicant. This is less common.

    • "The applicant's qualifications were impressive." (Meaning: The qualifications of the person who applied were impressive.)

  • Formal Tone: “Applicant” is a more formal word than "candidate" or "person." Consider your audience and the context. In a casual conversation, “candidate” or “person applying” might be more appropriate.

4. Synonyms (Alternatives):

Here are some words you could use instead of "applicant," depending on the context:

  • Candidate: (Often used for jobs and competitions) – “The candidate for president.”
  • Person applying: (More informal) – “The person applying for the position.”
  • Seeker: (Can suggest someone actively trying to get something) – “A seeker of knowledge.”
  • Requestor: (More formal, emphasizes the act of requesting) – “The requestor of the grant.”

Example Sentences Combining Multiple Aspects:

  • "The hiring manager reviewed the applicants’ resumes and shortlisted five promising applicants for the next round of interviews."
  • “We received over 100 applicants for the volunteer position at the animal shelter.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "applicant" in? (e.g., writing a job application letter, discussing a university process, etc.)

Synonyms for the word applicant

Practice with vocabulary applicant

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Each ______ for the scholarship must submit a personal essay and two letters of recommendation.
  2. Please attach your most recent ______ to your online application form.
  3. The hiring committee reviews every ______'s qualifications before shortlisting candidates for interviews.
  4. After the initial screening, only ten ______s were invited for a second round of interviews.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (may have multiple correct answers)

  1. Which term best describes an individual who formally requests consideration for a job, position, or admission? A) Interviewee B) Employee C) Applicant D) Recruiter

  2. The university received numerous submissions from individuals hoping to secure a place in the prestigious program. Who among the following could be accurately described in this context? A) Applicant B) Participant C) Scholar D) Candidate

  3. Before proceeding with background checks, the company requires every ______ to sign a consent form. A) Manager B) Employee C) Applicant D) Employer

  4. To be considered for the role, you must complete the online ______ by Friday. A) application B) interview C) resume D) offer

  5. Our human resources department has hired an external ______ to help us find suitable talent for specialized roles. A) applicant B) manager C) employee D) recruiter

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The committee reviewed all the forms submitted by people who wanted to join the program. (Rewrite using "applicant" or a related word form.)
  2. Anyone seeking to enroll in the master's course must possess a bachelor's degree. (Rewrite using "applicant" or a related word form.)
  3. Out of hundreds of people who sent in their documents, only five were selected for the final stage. (Rewrite, but do not use "applicant"; use a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. applicant
  2. resume
  3. applicant
  4. candidates

Exercise 2:

  1. C) Applicant
  2. A) Applicant, D) Candidate
  3. C) Applicant
  4. A) application
  5. D) recruiter

Exercise 3:

  1. The committee reviewed all the forms submitted by the applicants for the program.
  2. Each applicant for the master's course must possess a bachelor's degree.
  3. Out of hundreds of contenders, only five were selected for the final stage.

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