Applicant – Definition & Meaning

The term applicant is commonly used in various fields, such as employment, education, and legal proceedings. However, not everyone may be familiar with its definition and meaning. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the term applicant, its origins, synonyms, and antonyms.

Definitions

An applicant is someone who applies for something, such as a job, a scholarship, or a loan. The term can also refer to someone who requests or petitions for something, such as a permit or license. In legal proceedings, an applicant is someone who brings a case before a court or tribunal.

Origin

The word applicant originated from the Latin word “applicare,” which means “to apply.” The term was first used in the English language in the 15th century.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, an applicant is “one who applies for something.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines an applicant as “a person who makes a formal request for something, especially a job, admission to an institution or organization, or a license.”

Associations

The term applicant is commonly associated with job applications, college admissions, and loan applications. In legal proceedings, the term is often used in the context of applications for bail, injunctions, or judicial review.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of applicant include candidate, petitioner, seeker, and supplicant.

Antonyms

Antonyms of applicant include employer, admissions officer, lender, and judge.

The same root words

The word applicant shares the same root word with other related terms, such as application, applicable, and applicability.

Example Sentences

1. The applicant submitted his resume and cover letter for the job opening.
2. The college admissions office received thousands of applications from prospective students.
3. The loan applicant had to provide proof of income and credit history.
4. The petitioner filed an application for a restraining order against her ex-partner.
5. The judge granted the applicant’s request for an extension on the deadline to submit evidence.