Applicable vs. Appliable: How To Use Each Word In A Sentence

When writing, we often make mistakes by interchanging two words due to their similar spelling or pronunciation. Hence, we have to be very careful when writing to avoid such mistakes. So, it is okay if you are wondering, applicable vs. appliable, how you should use each word when writing.

“Applicable” functions as an adjective in a sentence. It refers to when something is appropriate, relevant, or can be applied to a particular situation. “Appliable” is also an adjective that refers to when something can be useful for a particular occasion.

Now, we bet you are wondering what the fuss is about between both words. Well, in some cases, one option is appropriate over the other. Are you wondering what this is all about? In this article, we will tell you all about their usage when writing.

Origin Of The Word “Applicable”

The word “Applicable” originates from the Latin word “applic” from the word “applicare,” which means to apply, which is from an Old French word “aplicable,” from the Medieval Latin word “applicabilis.”

Others claim the word comes from an old French word, “applier,” which is from the Latin word “applicare.” The word was first used in the mid-16th century, and the meaning was to be compliant. The word has been used since the 1650s after it developed a new meaning.

In the 1560s, the word “applicable” was said to mean something that was well disposed of, but later in the 1650s, its meaning changed to be something capable of being applied or something appropriate. The first recorded use of the word “applicable” was in 1548.

When to and How to Properly Use “Applicable”

To avoid any misconception, we need to know when and how to use the word “applicable” in a sentence. To do so, we will be discussing the meaning and nature of the word. For you to use any word correctly, you need to understand its meaning and nature.

When we talk about the nature of a word, we refer to the form the word takes. The nature of a word is usually determined by the part of speech such words fall under. So, when you hear about the nature of a word, it is talking about the part of speech the word belongs to.

Also, the meaning of a word is important, and it refers to the idea the word conveys in a sentence. The meaning of a word in a sentence is what readers will infer when they see such a word. The nature and the meaning of a word help us know how to use such a word in a sentence properly.

For better clarity, we would look at the nature of the word “applicable.” The word “applicable” is an adjective. As an adjective, it describes or modifies a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun.

Now, we will discuss the meaning of the word “applicable.” The word “applicable” refers to being relevant to a subject or matter. It also means something is of suitable quality and standard and it meets a particular purpose. Finally, it also means something that matters and is important.

Illustrative Examples Of How To Use The Word “Applicable”

1. In the United States, the laws apply to both citizens and immigrants, so even as a tourist in the country, you will be penalized if you break any rules.
2. Johnson had been struggling with a mathematical problem for an hour. Finally, Katie decided to help him out. She told him the formula he was using was not applicable to the problem and gave him the correct formula.
3. During the debate, David backed most of his points with real-life scenarios applicable to support his notion.
4. While I was filling the form, I realized that many questions were not applicable to me, so I skipped those questions.
5. It was confirmed that the ban on the importation into European Union countries was only applicable to ostrich meat, eggs, and live ostriches; other poultry products were acceptable.
6. When the government first released a new law to protect the environment, most people ignored it until it was announced that the law applied to everyone, and those who refused to comply would be dealt with.
7. When we arrived at the hotel and saw that they were offering a 30% discount for room bookings, we were very excited until we heard that the discounts were only applicable to bookings for a double suite.

Origin Of The Word “Appliable”

The word “appliable” has its origin in Middle English. It comes from the Middle English word “applien,” which is from an Old French word which is “applicare” from the Latin Word “applicabilis.”

Some claim the word comes from combining two English words, “apply” and “able.” However, its first recorded use is in the 1500s. The word “appliable” was used in a book titled ‘The Garden Of Cyrus,’ which Browne Thomas wrote.

When To And How To Properly Use The Word “Appliable”

When it comes to using the word “appliable,” we bet you think there is no difference, and it conveys the same meaning as “applicable.” The two words “appliable” and “applicable” have similar meanings, but they are always used in different situations.

The word “appliable” is an adjective and a noun, meaning it has two functions in a sentence. As an adjective, it describes a noun, a noun phrase, or a pronoun and acts as a noun.

Next, we will be discussing the meaning of the word “appliable.” The word “appliable” refers to something that can be put into use or applied in a situation. It also means being compliant and accommodating.

The word “appliable” also refers to something fitting or suitable to be applied. It is also a synonym to the word “applicable” and also refers to being appropriate. Therefore, the word “appliable” also means something applicable.

Illustrative Examples Of How To Use The Word “Appliable”

1. During my research for a school project, I found out that the 340B drug program is appliable to hospitals, contract pharmacies, and clinics, but many clinics and pharmacies were not aware of it.
2. When I saw George’s assignment, I told him that he should provide at least two principles appliable to the topic he was researching to clarify what he wrote on.
3. Our English teacher told us to come up with ten sentences, each with the word ‘appliable’ in it, but it was difficult to find the word appliable in a sentence during my search.
4. My newest published book was written to help readers find different things that are appliable to their different situations and know how to handle any problem they encounter.
5. While I was browsing the internet, I came across a vacancy post. At first, I thought I was not qualified for the job, but, after reading further, I saw that the post was appliable for all graduates.
6. While I was having a conversation with Joseph, I told him that the new rules he was making for the workers at the company are not appliable to the situation at hand and cannot solve the problems we were having.
7. The use of technology should be encouraged in schools because they are practical, appliable, and easily developed.

Final Thoughts

While you might be confused about how to differentiate the two words because they have the same spelling, there is no reason to remain confused. The two words convey the same meaning, but the use of “applicable” is more prominent.

You can use both words interchangeably, but remember that “applicable” is the more common option. Moreover, it is less likely to confuse readers. So, now that every confusion has been cleared, you can use both words without worries.