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exercise
/ˈɛksərsaɪz/
physical activity to improve health
She does exercise every morning to stay fit.
She engages in physical activity daily to maintain her health.
informalformal
Physical activity done to improve health and fitness
Regular exercise helps reduce stress.
Engaging in physical activity regularly can lower stress levels.
Commonly used to describe activities like running, swimming, or weightlifting.
formaleducational
A set of problems or questions designed to test knowledge
The teacher gave us an exercise to practice grammar.
The instructor assigned a set of questions to help students practice grammar rules.
Often used in academic or training contexts.
formal
To use or apply something in a practical way
She exercised her right to vote.
She used her legal right to participate in the election.
Commonly used with abstract concepts like rights, options, or privileges.
Collocations
exercise routinea planned series of physical activitiesexercise cautionto be careful or prudentexercise controlto manage or direct something
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'exercise' changes based on context—physical activity, academic practice, or applying rights.
Gold Rule
Verb vs. Noun
As a verb, it means to use or apply something; as a noun, it refers to physical activity or practice problems.
Word Origin
From Middle French 'exercer' (to practice), from Latin 'exercere' (to keep busy, practice).
Usage Notes
The word can be a noun or a verb, with meanings varying by context. In fitness, it refers to physical activity; in education, it refers to practice problems.
Word Breakdown
ex-
out, thoroughly
prefix-erc-
work, labor
root-ise/-ize
to make or cause
suffixEnglish Dictionary