application的基本意思是“申请,申请表,申请书”,通常指非常正规、供有关部门考虑的书面“申请,请求”,常用于正式和书面语中。application也可作“实际应用,用途”“施用,敷用,涂抹”解。

He has filed his application.他已经呈交了申请书。
Barbara made an application for a job as a nurse.芭芭拉提出应征护士的工作。
The application of new scientific discoveries to industrial processes usually makes jobs easier to do.应用新的科学发明于工业生产过程常可使工作更轻松。
This is a new discovery that had a number of industrial applications.这是一项有多种工业用途的新发明。
The oil is for external application only.这种药油只可外用。
Your foot will feel better after the application of this ointment.敷用这药膏后,你的脚会感到舒服些。
Have you filled in the application form for a new passport?你填写了领新护照的申请表没有?

application, request
这两个词的共同意思是“请求,申请”。其区别是:application通常指非常正规、供有关部门考虑的书面“申请,请求”; request作“请求,申请”解为常用词,表示一种礼仪和真诚的愿望,但能否得到满足并无把握。

［词源］＜拉丁语applicare (应用)