ENGLISH
REFERENCE

exert

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ɪɡˈzɝt// UK //ɛɡzˈɜːt// ex·ert

v. to use your power, influence, or physical strength to make something happen. You use this when you are putting effort into a situation to get a result.

v. to apply or bring to bear a quality, force, or influence. Transitive; requires a direct object representing the abstract or physical force being applied.


SIMPLE

You must exert more pressure to open the heavy door.

CONTEXTUAL

The local council began to exert its influence to ensure the new park remained a green space.

COMPLEX

While the moon is much smaller than the sun, its proximity allows it to exert a greater gravitational pull on the Earth's oceans, driving the tidal cycles.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin exsertus, past participle of exserō (“to stretch or thrust forth or out”), from ex- + serō (“to string together”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and typically takes abstract nouns like 'influence', 'pressure', 'authority', or 'control' as its object.

Pitfall

he exerted to finish the workhe exerted himself to finish the workWhen used to mean 'putting in effort', the verb must be reflexive; you must exert 'yourself' or 'effort'.

© 2026 English Reference