applicant
UK[ˈæplɪkənt]US[ˈæplɪkənt]
n
a person who formally requests something, especially a job, a place at a college, or a loan.
Morpheme Breakdown
applic
ant
applic
apply
ant
one who
Etymology
the word 'applicant' originates from the latin verb applicare, meaning 'to attach, join, or bring into contact'. this verb is formed from ad- (to) and plicare (to fold), suggesting the idea of bringing oneself close to or attaching oneself to an opportunity. the suffix -ant, denoting an agent, was added to create a noun for 'one who applies'. the term entered english in the early 15th century, evolving from a general sense of 'one who makes a request' to its modern, specific meaning of a person seeking a position, admission, or benefit through a formal request.
Analysis
Structure: applic (apply) + ant (one who)
applic is from latin applicare (to attach, to bring into contact), via middle english. ant is an agent noun suffix from latin -antem (one who does something).
Examples
the company received over three hundred applications, but only a few applicants were called for an interview.
as a graduate school applicant, she spent months preparing her personal statement.
the loan applicant must provide proof of income and employment.