Applicant
/ˈæp.lɪ.kənt/noun
A person who formally requests or seeks something, especially a job, admission, or grant.
Did you know?Applicant ultimately comes from Latin plicare, “to fold,” linking it unexpectedly to words such as “ply,” “imply,” and “reply.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*plek-
“To fold, plait, or weave”
Classical Latin
Latin
plicare
“To fold or bend”
Classical Latin
Latin
applicare
“To attach, join, apply, or bring into contact”
Late Latin
Latin
applicans
“Applying, attaching, or bringing into contact”
Medieval Latin
Latin
applicant
“One who applies or petitions”
17th Century
English
applicant
“A person who applies or makes a formal request”
Modern English
English
applicant
“A person seeking a position, admission, award, or other opportunity”