exercise

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/ˈɛksərsaɪz/
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Activity and practice that train the body or skills, and formal uses involving the application of power, rights, care, or concern.
Practice using exercise in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Graduation exercises will be held in the main hall.
  • The doctor recommended more gentle exercise after surgery.
  • The class began with three stretching exercises.
  • The exercise of restraint prevented a wider conflict.
  • The exercise of free speech carries responsibilities.

Similar words

move
maneuver
occupy
apply
employ
condition
implementation
invoke
use
exert

Meanings

Physical activity for fitness

noun
health
neutral
Physical activity done to keep the body healthy, build strength, or improve fitness.

Examples

  • Regular exercise can improve sleep and energy.
  • Swimming is her favorite form of exercise.
  • The class began with three stretching exercises.
  • A balanced routine includes both cardio and strength exercise.
  • The doctor recommended more gentle exercise after surgery.

Similar words

workout
training
physical activity
conditioning
exertion
fitness routine

Do physical activity

verb
health
neutral
To move the body for health or fitness, or to make a body part or animal move for training and condition.

Examples

  • She exercises before breakfast on weekdays.
  • The new machine exercises the back and shoulder muscles.
  • After work, they exercise together at the park.
  • The groom exercised the horses before the race.
  • Light resistance bands can exercise small muscle groups safely.

Similar words

work out
train
condition
move
stretch
drill

Practice task or organized activity

noun
education
neutral
A task, drill, operation, or program carried out to practice, train, test, display, or achieve a particular purpose.

Examples

  • The workbook ends each chapter with grammar exercises.
  • The army planned joint exercises with allied forces.
  • The speech coach gave the actors a breathing exercise.
  • The announcement looked like a public-relations exercise.
  • Graduation exercises will be held in the main hall.

Similar words

task
drill
practice
assignment
operation
maneuver
activity

Use a right, power, or quality

verb
law
formal
To put a right, authority, option, influence, judgment, care, or other power into action.

Examples

  • Citizens exercise their right to vote in elections.
  • The board may exercise the option to renew the lease.
  • Drivers should exercise caution on icy roads.
  • The minister exercised authority during the emergency.
  • The editor exercised good judgment by delaying publication.

Similar words

use
apply
invoke
employ
exert
implement

Act of using power or authority

noun
law
formal
The act of putting a right, power, option, function, or quality into use.

Examples

  • The exercise of free speech carries responsibilities.
  • The contract sets a deadline for the exercise of the option.
  • The exercise of restraint prevented a wider conflict.
  • Courts review the exercise of executive power.
  • The exercise of professional duties requires care.

Similar words

use
application
invocation
implementation
exertion
operation

Worry or occupy the mind

verb
emotions
formal
To trouble, concern, or take up someone's attention, especially because a problem demands thought or response.

Examples

  • The question of funding exercised the council for months.
  • Security concerns are exercising voters this year.
  • The unexplained losses exercised the auditors.
  • That ethical problem has long exercised philosophers.
  • The delay exercised the passengers more than the airline expected.

Similar words

concern
worry
trouble
preoccupy
disturb
occupy

Etymology

From Old French exercice, from Latin exercitium, training or practice, from exercere, to keep busy, train, or put into action.

FAQ

What does exercise mean?

Exercise can mean physical activity, a practice task or drill, the formal use of a right or power, or a concern that occupies attention.

Is exercise a noun or a verb?

Exercise is both a noun and a verb, as in regular exercise and she exercises daily.

What does exercise a right mean?

To exercise a right means to use it or put it into effect.

What does exercise caution mean?

To exercise caution means to use care and judgment in a risky situation.

What are school exercises?

School exercises are practice tasks, problems, or activities used to develop or test skill.

What are military exercises?

Military exercises are drills or operations carried out for training and readiness.

What does exercise mean when an issue exercises people?

In formal use, an issue that exercises people worries them, concerns them, or takes up their attention.

What is the origin of exercise?

Exercise comes through Old French from Latin exercitium, meaning training or practice.

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