Applicants

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Individuals or entities submitting requests for consideration regarding jobs, educational programs, or other opportunities
2. People formally expressing their interest in positions, scholarships, or admissions in various settings
3. People who present themselves for evaluation to fill roles, obtain scholarships, or gain acceptance

Etymology: "Applicants" is simply the plural of "applicant," so its history is the history of that singular form. The singular comes from Latin "applicans," the present participle of "applicare," meaning "to attach" or "to fold toward." The English verb "apply" descends from the same Latin root, so "applicant" is a close relative of "apply" and carries the sense of someone who has been attached to or directed toward a request. Over time, the sense moved from the physical act of bringing one thing against another to the social act of directing a request toward an authority. The plural "applicants" therefore names a group of people who have each put themselves forward to be considered for a position, place, or award.

Synonyms: candidates, prospects, contenders, job seekers, entrants