apply vs refer

apply and refer both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
apply	No	No	Yes	No
refer	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, refer is a hypernym of apply; that is, refer is a word with a broader meaning than apply:

Other hypernyms of apply include denote.

As verbs, refer is a hypernym of apply; that is, refer is a word with a broader meaning than apply:

Other hypernyms of apply include bear on, come to, concern, have to do with, pertain, relate, touch, touch on.

apply (verb)	refer (verb)
ask (for something)	think of, regard, or classify under a subsuming principle or with a general group or in relation to another
refer (a word or name) to a person or thing	have as a meaning
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose	make reference to
coat, cover or smear a surface with	use a name to designate
give or convey physically	seek information from
avail oneself to	send or direct for treatment, information, or a decision
ensure observance of laws and rules	be relevant to
apply oneself to
be pertinent or relevant or applicable
be applicable to; as to an analysis