English Reference

Word

exercise

Phoneticsex·er·cise, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈɛksɝˌsaɪz/

UK/ˈɛksəsˌaɪz/

Definitions

01physical activity

A1 · Beginner Uncountable noun

n. physical activity that you do to stay healthy and strong.

n. physical activity intended to improve or maintain health, fitness, or strength.

“You should do some form of exercise every day to keep your heart healthy.”

“Regular aerobic exercise is widely considered the most effective non-pharmacological intervention for maintaining cardiovascular health in sedentary adults.”

Pitfall

I did many exercises this morning at the gym.

I did a lot of exercise this morning at the gym.

When referring to physical activity in general, 'exercise' is usually uncountable. Use the plural 'exercises' for specific, individual movements like sit-ups.

Antonyms

02a learning task

A1 · Beginner Countable noun

n. a short piece of work you do to practice a skill, like a grammar task.

n. a specific task or activity designed to develop or hone a particular skill or ability.

“Please complete the grammar exercise on page ten for your homework.”

“The textbook includes a series of listening exercises designed to familiarise students with various regional accents.”

03use of a right or power

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal

n. the act of using a power, a right, or a quality.

n. the application or employment of a right, power, or faculty.

“The peaceful protest was a clear exercise of their right to free speech.”

“The judge ruled that the seizure of the documents was a legitimate exercise of police powers under the current security legislation.”

04to work out

A2 · Elementary

v. to do physical activity to become stronger or healthier.

v. to engage in physical activity for the purpose of health or training.

“She likes to exercise in the park before she goes to work.”

“While some athletes prefer to exercise alone to maintain focus, others find that group environments provide necessary motivation.”

Synonyms

05to use a right or option

B2 · Upper Intermediate Law Formal

v. to use a legal right or a choice that you have.

v. to put into practice or bring to bear a right, power, or contractual option.

“You must exercise caution when driving on icy roads.”

“The investors decided to exercise their option to purchase additional shares before the end of the fiscal year.”

Usage

Often used with objects like 'rights', 'authority', 'caution', or 'options'.

Antonyms

Etymology

From Middle English exercise, from Old French exercise, from Latin exercitium.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

NOUN

exercise(A1)

ADJECTIVE

Related words

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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