这两外名词均有“申请、请求”之意。
application ：指用书面形式提出申请或请求。
- His application to the court for bail has been refused.
他向法庭申请保释遭到拒绝。 - an application for membership/a loan/a licence
会籍 / 贷款 / 执照申请
request ：普通用词，侧重指明有礼貌或诚意的请求，能否得到满足并无多大把握。
- They made a request for further aid.
他们要求再给一些帮助。 - France had agreed to his request for political asylum.
法国已经同意了他寻求政治庇护的请求。
