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exercise
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ex·er·cise

exercise

 
 
pronunciation:
ek sr saIz
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word History, Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: mental or physical activity undertaken to maintain or increase ability or strength.
I get my exercise from swimming.Crossword puzzles provide good mental exercise.Her doctor told her she needed to do more exercise.
 
synonyms:
athletics, practice, workout
similar words:
action, activity, aerobics, calisthenics, conditioning, exertion, fitness, gymnastics, movement, sport, training
definition 2: an act of putting into effect; use.
A sensitive matter like this requires the exercise of patience.
synonyms:
application, employment, use, utilization
similar words:
exertion, practice
definition 3: a particular way to use your muscles to make them strong.
Doing push-ups is a good exercise for strengthening the arms.
definition 4: (often pl.) a ceremony, esp. celebrating graduation from a school.
This year's graduation exercises will be held in the new auditorium.
synonyms:
ceremony
similar words:
celebration, graduation, observance, service
definition 5: a military training operation or war game.
The recruits will be engaging in a particularly dangerous training exercise this week.
synonyms:
war game
similar words:
drill
definition 6: a specially designed task, often one that is performed repeatedly, aimed at developing particular strengths or skills.
The piano teacher assigned all the exercises on page five.I did as many of the typing exercises as I could before I got too bored.
similar words:
drill, practice, scale
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: exercises, exercising, exercised
definition 1: to put into effect or make use of.
He failed to exercise his right to vote.
synonyms:
apply, employ, exert, make use of, wield
similar words:
carry out, practice, put to use, use, utilize
definition 2: to put through training.
The drill sergeant is exercising the new recruits.
synonyms:
condition, train
similar words:
apply, develop, drill, practice, strengthen, work
definition 3: to disturb or agitate.
The insult exercised him greatly.
synonyms:
agitate, disturb, perturb, trouble
similar words:
distress, worry
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to engage in physical exercise or activity.
Her doctor advised her to exercise daily to improve her health.
 
similar words:
cycle, jog, limber up, run, swim, train, walk, warm up
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivation: exerciser (n.)
Word History
Exercise is from a Latin word that means "to keep busy" or "drive on." In the English spoken in the early 1300s, "exercise" referred to mental effort. By the late 1300s, its meaning had broadened to include physical activity.
Word Explorer
some accessories for exercising
some actions associated with exercising
some descriptions of exercise
some descriptions of someone exercising
some effects of exercising
some examples of exercise
some kinds of exercise
some people associated with exercise
some places for exercising
some things exercise affects