Aplicar

Aplicar is a verb in Spanish and Portuguese with a broad set of meanings centered on putting something into use, onto a surface, or into effect. It covers actions such as implementing rules, administering tasks or substances, and directing effort toward a goal. The word derives from Latin applicare, formed from ad- “to/toward” and plicare “to fold/put.”

In Spanish, aplicar is used in a variety of contexts. It can mean to enforce or implement a norma or norma legal (aplicar una norma), to spread or place a substance on a surface (aplicar una crema), or to administer a test or treatment (aplicar una prueba, aplicar un tratamiento). It also appears in expressions such as aplicar presión (to apply pressure) or aplicar una sanción/pena (to impose a penalty). In mathematics and computing, se aplica a una función or a método when one applies a function to an input (aplicar una función). Reflexively, aplicarse means to apply oneself or devote effort, as in se aplica en sus estudios.

In Portuguese, aplicar shares many of the same senses. It can mean to implement a policy or law (aplicar uma política/lei), to apply a cream or lotion (aplicar um creme), or to administer an examination (aplicar uma prova). It can also denote applying heat, pressure, or patches, and to issue a fine (aplicar uma multa). Reflexive uso, aplicar-se, conveys concentration and dedication to a task.

Across both languages, algunos matices differentiate applying as physical action (placing or spreading) from applying as operational action (enforcing rules, conducting procedures).