Definition of Exercise
Quick Meaning of Exercise
Activity that requires your body to move and work hard to keep you strong and healthy, or a task to practice a skill
Detailed Definition of Exercise
Physical activity done to stay fit and healthy, or a practice task for learning
How to Pronounce Exercise
Stress pattern: Ooo (3-syllable word).
Tip: Stress first syllable: EX-er-size. Each vowel has a separate sound: EX-uh-SIZE.
Watch out: Saying ek-SIZ instead of EX-er-SIZE; middle syllable often dropped
Origin and Etymology of Exercise
From Latin exercitium (training); exercere (to keep busy)
How to Use Exercise in a Sentence
Each example shows “exercise” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
-
“Running and swimming are good forms of exercise for your heart health.”
-
“The students completed a writing exercise to practice using past tense verbs.”
-
“I do 30 minutes of exercise every morning before work.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Exercise
Common Synonyms for Exercise
Smart Synonyms for Exercise — When to Use Each
- workout
- for intense physical exercise sessions in gym or
- activity
- for general physical movement that may be lighter
- practice
- when referring to repeated learning tasks or skill
Antonyms of Exercise
Common Collocations with Exercise
These phrases pair with “exercise” in everyday English:
- daily exercise
- regular exercise
- take exercise
- do exercise
- exercise routine
Common Mistakes When Using Exercise
Even fluent speakers slip up with “exercise”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I must do exercising every day.
- ✓ Correct: I must do exercise every day.
- Why: Use noun 'exercise' after 'do', not gerund form; say 'exercise daily' as verb
- ✗ Wrong: The exercise is very tiring for me.
- ✓ Correct: Exercise is very tiring for me.
- Why: When referring to physical activity in general, use no article; 'the exercise' refers to a specific task
Other Forms of Exercise
Frequently Asked Questions About Exercise
What is the meaning of "Exercise"?
Activity that requires your body to move and work hard to keep you strong and healthy, or a task to practice a skill
How do you pronounce "Exercise"?
The IPA is /ˈɛksərsaɪz/. Stress first syllable: EX-er-size. Each vowel has a separate sound: EX-uh-SIZE.
What part of speech is "Exercise"?
"Exercise" is a noun at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Exercise"?
Common synonyms include activity, workout, training.
How do you use "Exercise" in a sentence?
For example: "Running and swimming are good forms of exercise for your heart health."