exercise

[ek-ser-sahyz]

noun

1. bodily or mental exertion, especially for the sake of training or improvement of health.

   Walking is good exercise.

   Synonyms: gymnastics, calisthenics, activity
   Antonyms: inaction

2. something done or performed as a means of practice or training.

   exercises for the piano.

3. a putting into action, use, operation, or effect.

   the exercise of caution.

   Synonyms: performance, practice, application, employment

4. a written composition, musical piece, or artistic work executed for practice or to illustrate a particular aspect of technique.

5. Often exercises. a traditional ceremony.

   graduation exercises.

6. a religious observance or service.

   Synonyms: ritual

verb (used with object)

exercised, exercising 

1. to put through exercises, or forms of practice or exertion, designed to train, develop, condition, or the like.

   to exercise a horse.

   Synonyms: school, drill, discipline

2. to put (faculties, rights, etc.) into action, practice, or use.

   to exercise freedom of speech.

3. to use or display in one's action or procedure.

   to exercise judgment.

   Synonyms: practice, exert, apply, employ

4. to make use of (one's privileges, powers, etc.).

   to exercise one's constitutional rights.

5. to discharge (a function); perform.

   to exercise the duties of one's office.

6. to have as an effect.

   to exercise an influence on someone.

7. to worry; make uneasy; annoy.

   to be much exercised about one's health.

   Synonyms: trouble, try

verb (used without object)

exercised, exercising 

1. to go through exercises; take bodily exercise.

exercise

/ ˈɛksəˌsaɪz /

verb

1. to put into use; employ

   to exercise tact

2. (intr) to take exercise or perform exercises; exert one's muscles, etc, esp in order to keep fit

3. to practise using in order to develop or train

   to exercise one's voice

4. to perform or make proper use of

   to exercise one's rights

5. to bring to bear; exert

   to exercise one's influence

6. (often passive) to occupy the attentions of, esp so as to worry or vex

   to be exercised about a decision

7. military to carry out or cause to carry out, manoeuvres, simulated combat operations, etc

noun

1. physical exertion, esp for the purpose of development, training, or keeping fit

2. mental or other activity or practice, esp in order to develop a skill

3. a set of movements, questions, tasks, etc, designed to train, improve, or test one's ability in a particular field

   piano exercises

4. a performance or work of art done as practice or to demonstrate a technique

5. the performance of a function; discharge

   the exercise of one's rights

   the object of the exercise is to win

6. (sometimes plural) military a manoeuvre or simulated combat operation carried out for training and evaluation

7. (usually plural) a ceremony or formal routine, esp at a school or college

   opening exercises

   graduation exercises

8. gymnastics a particular type of event, such as performing on the horizontal bar

Other Word Forms

• exercisable adjective
• nonexercisable adjective
• nonexercise noun
• overexercise verb
• postexercise adjective
• reexercise verb
• underexercise verb (used without object)
• unexercisable adjective
• unexercised adjective
• well-exercised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exercise¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English (noun), from Middle French exercice, from Latin exercitium, from exercit(us) “trained” (past participle of exercēre “to train,” from ex- ex- ¹ + -ercēre, combining form of arcēre “to restrain”) + -ium, noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of exercise¹

C14: from Old French exercice, from Latin exercitium, from exercēre to drill, from _ex- ¹ + arcēre to ward off

Synonym Study

Exercise, drill, practice refer to activities undertaken for training in some skill. Exercise is the most general term and may be either physical or mental: an exercise in arithmetic. Drill is disciplined repetition of set exercises, often performed in a group, directed by a leader: military drill. Practice is repeated or methodical exercise: Even great musicians require constant practice.

Example Sentences

Recasting a government is an exercise in authority and jeopardy – and that's just for the prime minister.

From BBC

Cutler was charged with DUI, possession of a handgun while under the influence, failure to exercise due care and violating implied consent.

From Los Angeles Times

Then electricity was cut in communal spaces, such as the clubhouse, bathrooms and walkways, discouraging exercise and even short walks.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom can exercise political sway over its moves but, aside from his vote, has no formal power over the body’s decisions.

From Los Angeles Times

Pro-LGBTQ+ parent activist Daisy Gardner finds the entire exercise “infuriating and heartbreaking.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• act 
• action 
• activity 
• drill 
• examination 
• lesson 
• movement 
• operation 
• performance 
• problem 
• study 
• task 
• test 
• training 
• workout 

When To Use

What does exercise mean?

Exercise is energetic physical or mental effort, usually for health or betterment, such as running or doing crossword puzzles.An exercise is an action that you do repeatedly to strengthen yourself or to get better at it. Push-ups are exercises you do to strengthen your body. Grammar exercises are often sentences you correct the grammar of to improve your understanding of grammar.To exercise means to practice the action, as in My doctor wants me to exercise more so that I will be healthier.Example: It has been difficult to fit in time for exercise lately.