exercise
A2Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
The act of exerting physical or mental effort to improve health, skill, or ability.
Any activity requiring effort or exertion; a series of tasks designed to achieve a specific purpose (e.g., training, practice, or application of a right).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, encompasses physical activity, academic practice, military drills, and legal/power execution. As a verb, means to engage in such activity or to apply a right/authority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK spelling favours 'exercise' consistently; US spelling identical. In UK contexts, 'exercise' as a military drill ('exercises') is slightly more common. The verb 'to exercise' meaning 'to worry' ('it exercised his mind') is more frequent in UK formal prose.
Connotations
Broadly similar. In UK English, 'exercise book' exclusively refers to a notebook for schoolwork. US 'exercise' slightly more heavily weighted towards recreational physical fitness.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties. Slight UK preference for 'take exercise', while US favours 'do exercise' or 'exercise' as a verb ('I exercise daily').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
exercise [right/authority/control]exercise [caution/restraint]exercise [sb/sth] (train)exercise for [period of time]exercise at [location]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Exercise in futility”
- “Exercise demons (to confront anxieties)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The board exercised its option to buy the company.'
Academic
'This chapter includes exercises for students to apply the theory.'
Everyday
'I need to get more exercise to stay healthy.'
Technical
'The troops completed a joint military exercise.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The doctor recommended gentle exercise for recovery.
- We completed the maths exercises in our homework books.
American English
- Regular exercise is key to maintaining a healthy weight.
- The textbook includes review exercises at the end of each chapter.
verb
British English
- You should exercise more caution when driving at night.
- The king exercised his royal prerogative to pardon the prisoner.
American English
- She exercises at the gym every morning before work.
- The committee exercised its authority to approve the budget.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I do exercise every day.
- Swimming is good exercise.
- The teacher gave us a grammar exercise to complete for homework.
- You should exercise regularly to stay fit.
- The government must exercise restraint in its spending.
- Military exercises were conducted in the North Sea.
- The court's ruling exercised a profound influence on subsequent legislation.
- Writing poetry was for her an exercise in confronting personal grief.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
EXERCISE keeps you sEXY and wISE. The 'cise' sounds like 'size' – exercise changes your size.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXERCISE IS MEDICINE (e.g., 'The best exercise for the heart.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'упражнение' for 'exercise' when it means 'a task' – it's primarily 'exercise' or 'task'. Russian 'тренировка' is closer to 'workout' or 'training session'.
- Do not confuse 'exercise' (физические упражнения) with 'exertion' (напряжение).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I'm going to make exercise.' Correct: 'I'm going to do/take/get exercise.'
- Incorrect: 'He exercised his dog.' (ambiguous, could mean 'walked' or 'trained' – clearer to specify).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is a common collocation with 'exercise' in a business context?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is both. Uncountable: 'Exercise is important.' (general activity). Countable: 'The book has ten exercises.' (specific tasks).
'Do exercise' is more common in American and modern British English. 'Take exercise' is more traditional British English but is becoming less frequent.
Yes. While often implying physical activity, 'exercise' alone can be clear from context. It also covers mental, legal, and military activities.
Broadly yes in an informal fitness context, but 'working out' is more informal and implies a gym or structured routine. 'Exercising' is broader and more formal.
Collections
Part of a collection
Body and Health
A1 · 49 words · Parts of the body and basic health vocabulary.
Health and Body
A2 · 48 words · Talking about health, illness and medical care.
Health and Wellness
B1 · 49 words · Physical and mental health vocabulary.