You've likely encountered the word "applied" in various contexts, especially when looking at product descriptions or discussing academic fields. It's a term that suggests something practical, something put into action. When we see "-20% adicional ya aplicado en el precio" on a Timberland product, for instance, it means that a 20% discount has already been applied to the original price. It's not a discount you have to calculate yourself; it's been done for you, making the final price clearer and more immediate.
This idea of something being "applied" is central to how we use the word in English. Think about the word "diligent." Cambridge Dictionary defines it as "careful and using a lot of effort." When someone is diligent, they are applying their effort and care to a task. It's not just about having the potential to be careful; it's about actively being careful and putting in that effort. So, a "diligent student" isn't just smart; they're a student who applies themselves to their studies, paying close attention and working hard.
This concept extends beyond simple discounts or personal qualities. In science and technology, "applied" often refers to fields that take theoretical knowledge and use it to solve real-world problems. Applied physics, for example, isn't just about understanding the fundamental laws of the universe; it's about using those laws to invent new technologies, build better machines, or improve existing processes. It's about taking abstract ideas and making them tangible, useful, and functional.
So, when you see "applied" in English, whether it's a discount that's already factored in, a description of someone's work ethic, or a field of study, the core meaning remains consistent: something has been put into practice, utilized, or implemented. It's the difference between having a tool and actually using it to build something.
