Exercise
/ˈeksərsaɪz/
Definitions
4 meaningsPhysical activity performed to maintain or improve health and fitness.
/ˈeksərsaɪz/
Physical activity to maintain or improve fitness.
She goes to the gym regularly for exercise.
💡 Simply: Imagine your body is like a car, and exercise is like the fuel. It helps your body run better and stay healthy! Like, when you run around the playground, that's exercise!
👶 For kids: Moving your body to make it strong and healthy, like running or jumping.
More Examples
Yoga is a popular form of exercise for flexibility and balance.
The doctor recommended more exercise to lower his cholesterol.
How It's Used
"Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health."
"The team completed a series of exercises before the game."
To perform physical activities or tasks to improve fitness or develop a skill.
/ˈeksərsaɪz/
To engage in physical activity to maintain or improve fitness.
She exercises regularly to stay in shape.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, running around, or dancing – that's exercising! You're making your body move.
👶 For kids: To move your body to get stronger, like running or playing.
More Examples
The dog exercises in the park every afternoon.
We must exercise caution when dealing with sensitive information.
How It's Used
"He exercises every morning before work."
"The students were asked to exercise their critical thinking skills."
A task or activity designed to practice or develop a skill or concept.
/ˈeksərsaɪz/
A task or activity designed to practice or develop a skill.
Do these exercises to practice your grammar.
💡 Simply: It's like when you do math problems to get better at math or draw pictures to get better at drawing.
👶 For kids: Doing a practice activity to get better at something, like math problems.
More Examples
The military conducted war games as training exercises.
The book has several exercises at the end of each chapter.
How It's Used
"Complete the following exercises for homework."
"The army conducted a military exercise."
To put a right, power, or quality into effect.
/ˈeksərsaɪz/
To put into effect or action; use (a right, power, or quality).
The government exercised its power to levy taxes.
💡 Simply: It's like using a power you have, like when you get to vote, you're exercising your right.
👶 For kids: To use something, like when you use your voice to sing.
More Examples
The company exercised its option to buy the property.
They exercised their freedom of speech by protesting peacefully.
How It's Used
"The company exercised its right to terminate the contract."
"The committee will exercise its power of oversight."
Idioms & expressions
exercise in futility
An activity or effort that has no chance of success.
"Trying to convince him to change his mind was an exercise in futility."
From Middle French *exercitier*, from Latin *exercere* (“to train, practice”), from *ex-* (“out, thoroughly”) + *arcere* (“to restrain, keep in”).
The term 'exercise' has been used since the 14th century to refer to physical training or the practice of a skill. Its use has expanded over time.
Memory tip
Think of the letters: EX-ERCISE - It's about pushing yourself (EX) to get into shape.
Word Origin
"to train, practice; to drive out"