The full meaning of MLA is The Modern Language Association (MLA) specifies a standard format for essays and research papers written in an academic setting: One-inch page margins. Double-spaced paragraphs. A header with author's last name and page number one-half inch from the top of each page. And APA is Style is a writing style and format for academic documents such as scholarly journal articles and books. ... It is described in the style guide of the American Psychological Association (APA), which is titled the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.