Applicability is a term that is commonly used in various fields, including law, science, and technology. It refers to the extent to which something is relevant or suitable to a particular situation or purpose. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of applicability in different contexts.
Definitions
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, applicability is defined as “the quality of being applicable or relevant to a particular situation.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the capability of being put to use or applied.” In simpler terms, applicability refers to the degree to which something can be used or applied in a given situation.
Origin
The word applicability comes from the Latin word “applicabilis,” which means “capable of being applied.” The term first appeared in English in the 17th century and has been in use ever since.
Meaning in different dictionaries
Different dictionaries have slightly different definitions of applicability, but they all generally agree on the basic meaning of the term. For example, the Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the degree to which something is suitable for a particular purpose or situation.” The Collins English Dictionary defines it as “the quality of being appropriate or relevant.”
Associations
Applicability is often associated with the concept of relevance. When something is applicable, it is relevant to a particular situation or purpose. It is also associated with the idea of usefulness. If something is applicable, it can be used or applied in a practical way.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of applicability include relevance, suitability, pertinence, and appropriateness. These words all convey the idea of something being appropriate or relevant to a particular situation.
Antonyms
Antonyms of applicability include irrelevance, unsuitability, and inappropriateness. These words convey the opposite idea of something being irrelevant or unsuitable for a particular situation.
The same root words
The root word of applicability is “apply,” which means to put something to use or to make use of something. Other words that share this root include application, applicable, and applicator.
Example Sentences
- The new software has limited applicability to our current system.
- The court will determine the applicability of this law to the case at hand.
- The company’s policies have a broad applicability to all employees.
- The researcher questioned the applicability of the study’s findings to other populations.
- The teacher stressed the importance of the material’s applicability to real-world situations.