# exercise

/ˈɛksɝˌsaɪz/ (US) · /ˈɛksəsˌaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/exercise
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. physical activity

noun · CEFR A1

physical activity that you do to stay healthy and strong.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a learning task

noun · CEFR A1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. use of a right or power

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. to work out

verb · CEFR A2

to do physical activity to become stronger or healthier.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to use a right or option

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- I try to get some exercise every morning.
- The doctor recommended regular exercise and a balanced diet to help lower his blood pressure.
- While the physical benefits of exercise are well-documented, recent studies emphasize its role in cognitive maintenance and the reduction of stress hormones in the bloodstream.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.