What is application? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of application

applicationnoun

/ˌaplɪˈkeɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of application

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "application" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˌæp lɪˈkeɪ ʃən/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "ap": Pronounced like "app" as in "apple."
  2. "li": Pronounced like "ly" as in "lovely."
  3. "keɪ": This is the tricky part. It sounds like "key" - the letter. It's a short, crisp "ay" sound.
  4. "shun": Pronounced like "shun" as in "sun."

Putting it all together:

It's like saying: "App-li-KEY-shun"

Here are some helpful resources to hear the pronunciation:

Tips for sounding natural:

  • Don't over-elongate the "li": Keep it short and quick.
  • Focus on the "key" sound: Really try to pronounce it like the letter "key."
  • Don't stress the "a" in "ap": It's a light syllable.

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

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning English?
  • Do you know where you'll be using this word (e.g., formal speech, casual conversation)?

Usage and examples with the word application in English

Let's break down how to use the word "application" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Noun – A Formal Request or Submission:

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. It refers to a formal request for something – usually a job, funding, or a permit.
  • Examples:
    • "I submitted my application for the university last week." (A form filled out.)
    • "She's waiting for a response to her job application." (The whole packet of documents.)
    • "The grant application was extremely detailed." (The specific document requesting funding.)
    • "They reviewed the applications carefully." (The list of submissions.)

2. As a Noun – A Program or Software:

  • Meaning: This refers to a specific computer program or piece of software.
  • Examples:
    • "Microsoft Word is a word processing application." (A type of software)
    • "I need to download a new photo editing application." (A specific program for photos)
    • "This is a mobile application for tracking your fitness." (An app on your phone)

3. As a Noun – The Act of Applying:

  • Meaning: This refers to the act of putting something into use or functioning. It's often used with verbs like "apply," "apply," "utilize," or "use."
  • Examples:
    • "The fertilizer is used to improve the soil application." (How the fertilizer functions.)
    • "The application of heat increases the speed of the reaction." (The process of using heat.)
    • “The application of these principles will lead to success.” (How the principles are used).

4. As a Verb – To Submit a Request:

  • Meaning: To formally send in an application.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to apply for a passport." (To submit the application)
    • "She applied to several colleges this year." (She submitted applications)
    • "They applied for the loan." (They submitted the paperwork).

Key Differences & How to Tell the Meaning:

  • Context is crucial! The surrounding words will usually tell you which meaning is intended.
  • Formal vs. Informal: “Application” is more formal than words like "submit" or "request."
  • Software vs. Request: If you're talking about a computer program, it’s an “application.” If you're talking about a job or funding, it’s a request.

Here’s a quick table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Formal Request/Submission “Submit your application form.”
Noun Computer Program “Adobe Photoshop is a graphic application.”
Noun The Act of Applying “The application of pressure…”
Verb To Submit a Request “I applied for a refund.”

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What are you trying to say with the word "application"? (e.g., are you writing an email, a story, etc.?)

Synonyms for the word application

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