ENGLISH
REFERENCE

exercised

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɛksɝˌsaɪzd// UK //ˈɛksəsˌaɪzd// ex·er·cised

adj. feeling very worried, upset, or annoyed about something. You use this when someone is clearly bothered by a specific problem.

adj. feeling or showing agitation, worry, or annoyance regarding a particular issue. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'get' or 'become'.


SIMPLE

He got very exercised about the new parking rules.

CONTEXTUAL

The local residents became quite exercised when they heard about the plans to build a highway through the park.

COMPLEX

Although the proposal seemed minor to the board, the staff became increasingly exercised over the potential changes to their remote work policy.

Synonyms
Origin

From exercise + -ed.

Usage

Typically follows a linking verb and takes the preposition 'about' or 'over'.

Pitfall

He was exercised for the exam.He was worried about the exam.While 'exercised' means worried, it implies a sense of being worked up or agitated about a specific topic, rather than general anxiety.

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