Origin: Latin suffix -able
Applicable has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
capable of being applied; having relevance
"gave applicable examples to support her argument"
suitable for application, relevant
"The new safety regulations are not applicable to small businesses that operate in remote areas."
In plain English: Applicable means something that is relevant and can be used for a specific situation.
"The new rules are applicable to all employees starting next week."
Usage: Use applicable to describe something that is relevant or suitable for a specific situation or rule. It indicates that a law, principle, or item can be properly applied to the case at hand.
The word entered English from Old French and ultimately traces back to Medieval Latin applicabilis. It originally described something that could be applied or put into use.