ASK [I] › to ask officially for something, often by writing: I've applied for a job. He has applied to several companies. AFFECT [I] › to affect or relate to a particular person or situation: This law only applies to married people. USE [T] › to use something in a particular situation: The same method can be applied to other situations. ON SURFACE [T] › to spread a substance on a surface: Apply the cream daily until the symptoms disappear. apply yourself › to work hard: If he doesn't apply himself, he'll never pass his exams.