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exercise

[ ek-ser-sahyz ]
/ ˈɛk sərˌsaɪz /
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See synonyms for: exercise / exercised / exercises / exercising on Thesaurus.com

noun
verb (used with object), ex·er·cised, ex·er·cis·ing.
verb (used without object), ex·er·cised, ex·er·cis·ing.
to go through exercises; take bodily exercise.
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Origin of exercise

1300–50; Middle English (noun) <Middle French exercice<Latin exercitium, equivalent to exercit(us) past participle of exercēre to train (ex-ex-1 + -ercit-, stem of combining form of arcēre to restrain) + -ium noun suffix

synonym study for exercise

2. 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.

OTHER WORDS FROM exercise

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH exercise

exercise , exorcise
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

MORE ABOUT EXERCISE

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.

Where does exercise come from?

The first records of the term exercise come from the 1300s. It ultimately comes from the Latin exercitium.

While most often, we talk about exercising our bodies and minds, exercise can be used to describe many other kinds of activities. For example, when you exercise your right to vote, you put into practice or use a right that you have. When you exercise good judgment by having only one slice of cake, you are using good judgment. When you perform your duties as class president, you are exercising your duties. All of these senses relate to performing or practicing an action.

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What are some other forms related to exercise

  • exercisable (adjective)
  • overexercise (verb)
  • postexercise (adjective)
  • unexercised (adjective)
  • well-exercised (adjective)

What are some synonyms for exercise?

What are some words that share a root or word element with exercise

What are some words that often get used in discussing exercise?

What are some words exercise may be commonly confused with?

How is exercise used in real life?

Exercise is a common word most often used to talk about physical activity.

 

 

Try using exercise!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for exercise?

A. action
B. movement
C. workout
D. rest

How to use exercise in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for exercise

exercise
/ (ˈɛksəˌsaɪz) /

verb (mainly tr)
noun

Derived forms of exercise

exercisable, adjective

Word Origin for exercise

C14: from Old French exercice, from Latin exercitium, from exercēre to drill, from ex- 1 + arcēre to ward off
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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