exercise
exercise
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "exercise" is /ˈɛksərsaɪz/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
ex- /ɛks/
/ɛ/ - as in "bed"
/k/ - as in "cat"
/s/ - as in "snake"
er- /ər/
/ər/ - as in "teacher" (unstressed r-colored vowel)
cise /saɪz/
/s/ - as in "snake"
/aɪ/ - as in "my"
/z/ - as in "zebra"
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: exercise
Plural: exercises
Verb:
Base form: exercise
Third-person singular present: exercises
Present participle: exercising
Past tense: exercised
Past participle: exercised
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
1. A physical activity performed to maintain or improve health and fitness.
Synonyms: workout, training, drill, activity, exertion
Antonyms: idleness, inactivity, rest, leisure, repose
2. A task, problem, or series of movements designed to develop a skill or test understanding.
Synonyms: drill, practice, problem, task, assignment
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific sense, as it refers to a type of activity, not its opposite)
3. The act of using or applying a right, power, or quality.
Synonyms: application, implementation, exertion, utilization, deployment
Antonyms: non-use, disuse, neglect, inaction, abstention
Verb
1. To engage in physical activity to improve or maintain physical fitness.
Synonyms: train, work out, practice, drill, exert oneself
Antonyms: rest, relax, be idle, do nothing, vegetate
2. To use or apply a right, power, or quality.
Synonyms: utilize, employ, wield, apply, exert
Antonyms: refrain from, withhold, neglect, waive, forgo
3. To cause concern or worry to someone; to trouble.
Synonyms: worry, trouble, bother, perturb, agitate
Antonyms: soothe, comfort, calm, reassure, appease
Examples of Use
Books:
"Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and mind," wrote Dr. Jane Smith in her bestselling book, The Wellness Blueprint.
In Atomic Habits, James Clear discusses how building small habits, such as a five-minute exercise routine, can lead to significant improvements over time.
Newspapers:
"The government has announced a new initiative to encourage daily exercise among primary school children," reported The Daily Standard (April 2024).
An editorial in The Financial Times debated the exercise of corporate power in the digital age (March 2025).
Online Publications:
"Why a 30-minute walk is the perfect exercise for stress relief," read a headline on Health.com (February 2025).
A tech blog post on Gizmodo discussed how new smartwatches are designed to track various forms of exercise, from running to swimming (June 2025).
Various Entertainment Media and Platforms:
Television (Fitness Program): "Now, let's move on to our core exercise for today – remember to keep your back straight!" instructed the fitness instructor on Morning Stretch (January 2025).
Podcast (Health & Wellness): On The Wellness Journey podcast, the host often emphasizes that "finding an exercise you enjoy is key to long-term adherence" (May 2025).
Film (Dialogue): In the action film Urban Pursuit, a character states, "This whole situation is an exercise in futility."
Video Game (Instruction): A tutorial in a role-playing game might prompt, "Complete this basic exercise to master your combat skills."
General Public Discourse:
"I need to get more exercise; I've been feeling sluggish lately."
"The recent public safety drill was an important exercise in emergency preparedness for the city."
During a community meeting, a resident might say, "We must exercise our right to vote in the upcoming local elections."
10 Quotes Using Exercise
"It is exercise alone that supports the spirits, and keeps the mind in vigor." (Cicero, De Senectute)
"Therefore, the mind must be exercised in thinking." (John Locke, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding)
"The exercise of true leadership is to bring people to the point where they are doing what they ought to do because they want to do it, not because you are making them do it." (Dwight D. Eisenhower)
"Walking is the best exercise." (Thomas Jefferson)
"Happiness is an exercise of the soul in the way of excellence." (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics)
"The whole of life is but an exercise of the will." (Seneca the Younger)
"The exercise of the intellect is a great joy." (Bertrand Russell, The Problems of Philosophy)
"Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." (Joseph Addison)
"The constant exercise of our faculties is the secret of their preservation." (William Hazlitt, Table-Talk)
"The exercise of our moral faculty is the only means of our improvement." (Adam Smith, The Theory of Moral Sentiments)
Etymology
The word "exercise" has a rich history, tracing its roots back to ancient times. In simple terms, it comes to us through French and ultimately from Latin.
The journey starts with the Latin word exercitium, which meant "training" or "physical exercise," particularly for soldiers or horsemen. This Latin word itself came from the verb exercere, meaning "to keep busy," "to train," or "to practice." The core idea in "exercere" might have been related to "driving out" or "keeping things in motion" (from "ex" meaning "out," and "arcere," meaning "to hold, contain, or ward off").
This Latin term then made its way into Old French as exercice in the 13th century, carrying meanings like "exercise" (both physical and spiritual) and "the execution of power."
In English, the word "exercise" (as a noun) first appeared around 1340, during the Middle English period. Its earliest recorded meaning was "the condition of being in active operation" or "practice for the sake of training." So, it wasn't just about physical activity, but also about putting something into action or practicing a skill. The meaning of "physical activity for fitness" became more common slightly later, in the late 14th century, while its use about written schoolwork (like "math exercises") came about in the early 17th century.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Exercise
Exercise good judgment: To make sensible and wise decisions.
Exercise caution: To be careful and wary.
Exercise restraint: To control one's impulses or emotions.
Exercise one's rights: To use the legal or moral entitlements one possesses.
Exercise authority/power: To use one's official position or influence.
Exercise discretion: To act with sensitivity and good sense, especially in handling confidential matters.
Exercise patience: To remain calm and tolerant in difficult situations.
Exercise the mind: To engage in mental activities that stimulate intellectual growth.
Exercise (one's) demons: To confront and overcome one's personal fears or psychological struggles. (Lesser-known, more figurative)
An exercise in futility: An effort that is pointless or yields no useful results.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of exercise from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
