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View synonyms for

exercise

[ek-ser-sahyz]

noun

  1. bodily or mental exertion, especially for the sake of training or improvement of health.

    Walking is good exercise.

    Synonyms: , ,
    Antonyms:
  2. something done or performed as a means of practice or training.

    exercises for the piano.

  3. a putting into action, use, operation, or effect.

    the exercise of caution.

    Synonyms: , , ,
  4. a written composition, musical piece, or artistic work executed for practice or to illustrate a particular aspect of technique.

  5. Often exercises. a traditional ceremony.

    graduation exercises.

  6. a religious observance or service.

    Synonyms:


verb (used with object)

exercised, exercising 
  1. to put through exercises, or forms of practice or exertion, designed to train, develop, condition, or the like.

    to exercise a horse.

    Synonyms: , ,
  2. to put (faculties, rights, etc.) into action, practice, or use.

    to exercise freedom of speech.

  3. to use or display in one's action or procedure.

    to exercise judgment.

    Synonyms: , , ,
  4. to make use of (one's privileges, powers, etc.).

    to exercise one's constitutional rights.

  5. to discharge (a function); perform.

    to exercise the duties of one's office.

  6. to have as an effect.

    to exercise an influence on someone.

  7. to worry; make uneasy; annoy.

    to be much exercised about one's health.

    Synonyms: ,

verb (used without object)

exercised, exercising 
  1. to go through exercises; take bodily exercise.

exercise

/ ˈɛəˌɪ /

verb

  1. to put into use; employ

    to exercise tact

  2. (intr) to take exercise or perform exercises; exert one's muscles, etc, esp in order to keep fit

  3. to practise using in order to develop or train

    to exercise one's voice

  4. to perform or make proper use of

    to exercise one's rights

  5. to bring to bear; exert

    to exercise one's influence

  6. (often passive) to occupy the attentions of, esp so as to worry or vex

    to be exercised about a decision

  7. military to carry out or cause to carry out, manoeuvres, simulated combat operations, etc

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. physical exertion, esp for the purpose of development, training, or keeping fit

  2. mental or other activity or practice, esp in order to develop a skill

  3. a set of movements, questions, tasks, etc, designed to train, improve, or test one's ability in a particular field

    piano exercises

  4. a performance or work of art done as practice or to demonstrate a technique

  5. the performance of a function; discharge

    the exercise of one's rights

    the object of the exercise is to win

  6. (sometimes plural) military a manoeuvre or simulated combat operation carried out for training and evaluation

  7. (usually plural) a ceremony or formal routine, esp at a school or college

    opening exercises

    graduation exercises

  8. gymnastics a particular type of event, such as performing on the horizontal bar

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • exercisable adjective
  • nonexercisable adjective
  • nonexercise noun
  • overexercise verb
  • postexercise adjective
  • reexercise verb
  • underexercise verb (used without object)
  • unexercisable adjective
  • unexercised adjective
  • well-exercised adjective
  • ˈˌ adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of exercise1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English (noun), from Middle French exercice, from Latin exercitium, from exercit(us) “trained” (past participle of ŧ “to train,” from ex- ex- 1 + -ŧ, combining form of ŧ “to restrain”) + -ium, noun suffix
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Word History and Origins

Origin of exercise1

C14: from Old French exercice, from Latin exercitium, from ŧ to drill, from ex- 1 + ŧ to ward off
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Synonym Study

Exercise, drill, practice refer to activities undertaken for training in some skill. Exercise is the most general term and may be either physical or mental: an exercise in arithmetic. Drill is disciplined repetition of set exercises, often performed in a group, directed by a leader: military drill. Practice is repeated or methodical exercise: Even great musicians require constant practice.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The BBC was invited to see a mass casualty simulation, a training exercise for medical staff to prepare them for a major incident.

From

Bill Plaschke, thank you for your very informative column about Parkinson’s disease and your boxing exercise program.

From

Undocumented immigrants, and even those here legally but fear they could be racially profiled, are exercising extra caution navigating their daily lives.

From

On Monday, there was what was described as a "table top exercise" chaired by the Foreign Secretary David Lammy, where the nature and steps of the UK's response was discussed.

From

Manhandled, for daring to exercise his congressional responsibilities.

From

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When To Use

does exercise mean?

Exercise is energetic physical or mental effort, usually for health or betterment, such as running or doing crossword puzzles.An exercise is an action that you do repeatedly to strengthen yourself or to get better at it. Push-ups are exercises you do to strengthen your body. Grammar exercises are often sentences you correct the grammar of to improve your understanding of grammar.To exercise means to practice the action, as in My doctor wants me to exercise more so that I will be healthier.Example: It has been difficult to fit in time for exercise lately.

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exequyexercise ball