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.”
Synonyms
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.”
Synonyms
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.”
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
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/exercise