Exercised
/ˈeksərsaɪzd/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo make use of or apply (a right, power, or quality).
/ˈeksərsaɪzd/
To put (a faculty, right, or quality) into operation or effect.
The company exercised its option to purchase the land.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a superpower (like the ability to fly!). Exercising that superpower means actually using it, right? Exercised, in this context, means you actually used something you had, like a right, a skill, or a power. For example, 'The company exercised its right to remain silent' means the company used its right by remaining silent.
👶 For kids: To use something you have, like using your muscles to run and play.
More Examples
The government exercised its power to regulate the market.
She exercised her freedom of speech by protesting the new law.
How It's Used
"The company exercised its right to terminate the contract."
"The voters exercised their right to choose their representatives."
"The manager exercised his authority to discipline the employee."
To engage in physical activity to maintain or improve health and fitness; to train.
/ˈeksərsaɪzd/
To subject (a person or animal) to physical or mental exertion, especially for the sake of health or training.
She exercised every morning to stay in shape.
💡 Simply: When you're exercising, you're moving your body to get stronger, like when you play sports or go for a run. Exercised, here, means that you did some type of physical activity.
👶 For kids: To move your body to stay healthy and strong, like running and jumping.
More Examples
They exercised their dogs in the park.
The doctor recommended that he exercise more often.
How It's Used
"He exercised regularly to maintain his fitness."
"The athletes exercised rigorously before the competition."
To exert (influence, pressure, etc.).
/ˈeksərsaɪzd/
To cause (something, such as a feeling) to exert an influence on someone or something.
His grief exercised a constant pull on his thoughts.
💡 Simply: Imagine a strong emotion or idea that affects someone or something. 'Exercised' in this context describes the power or impact of that emotion or idea. For example, 'The fear exercised a paralyzing effect' means the fear strongly influenced and paralyzed the situation.
👶 For kids: To have a strong effect or make something happen, like how a scary movie can make you feel afraid.
More Examples
The music exercised a calming effect on the patients.
The scandal exercised a devastating impact on her career.
How It's Used
"The trauma exercised a profound influence on her later behavior."
"His words exercised a strange power over the crowd."
From Middle English *exercisen*, from Old French *exercicier*, from Latin *exercēre* ('to train, practice'), from *ex-* ('out') + *arcēre* ('to keep in, contain').
The word 'exercise' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to training or practice. It has evolved to cover the use or application of a power or right as well as physical exertion.
Memory tip
Think of flexing a muscle; you're putting it to work. Exercising a right is 'flexing' it.