exert
Americanverb (used with object)
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to put forth or into use, as power; exercise, as ability or influence; put into vigorous action.
to exert every effort.
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to put (oneself ) into strenuous, vigorous action or effort.
verb
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to use (influence, authority, etc) forcefully or effectively
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to apply (oneself) diligently; make a strenuous effort
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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exertsimple
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exertssimple
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have exertedperfect
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has exertedperfect
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am exertingprogressive
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are exertingprogressive
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is exertingprogressive
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have been exertingperfect progressive
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has been exertingperfect progressive
Past
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exertedsimple
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had exertedperfect
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was exertingprogressive
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were exertingprogressive
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had been exertingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of exert
First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin ex(s)ertus, past participle of exserere “to thrust out,” from ex- ex- 1 + serere “to connect, join together”
Explanation
Exert basically means to put forth effort to do something. For example, when you exert yourself in a workout, you can really feel the burn in your muscles. The Latin verb exserere — with its derivative form exsertus, which is the source of our word — means to "put forth." That's where exert gets its meaning of physical force — consider that when you try hard at something, you put forth effort to do it, you push yourself. But exert can refer to other ways you "push": you exert your influence to convince others to think your way; when one nation exerts its power on another; and gravity exerts its force on us, holding us down on earth.
Vocabulary lists containing exert
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As the Congress of Revolution moved to adjourn, Keynoter Dimitroff urged "Exert your efforts with cunning!"
From Time Magazine Archive
Exert yourselves that ye may attain this transcendent and most sublime station, the station that can ensure the protection and security of all mankind.
From Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh by Bahá'u'lláh
Exert thyself to cast a covering over the poor, that God’s own veil may be a covering to thee.”
From Flowers from a Persian Garden and Other Papers by Clouston, William Alexander
Exert your royal gifts in exalting only the lowly and humbling only the proud.
From Notes of a Son and Brother by James, Henry
"Exert all your skill and seamanship to avoid a meeting with this bucanier, if such he be," repeated the earl, who perfectly comprehended him.
From Captain Kyd, Vol. II or, The Wizard of the Sea by Ingraham, Jonathon Holt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
