A1noun1K

Exercise

UK /["/ˈeksəsaɪz/"]/US /["/ˈeksərsaɪz/"]/

Definition

physical or mental activity that you do to stay healthy or become stronger

In simple words: Physical activity to stay healthy or fit.

Examples

  • I go for a run every morning as part of my exercise routine.
  • You should include some exercise in your daily life to stay healthy.
  • The teacher gave us an exercise to practice our math skills.
  • Reading is a good exercise for your brain as it keeps it active.
  • They recommend 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week.

Usage notes

Used when discussing health and fitness. Avoid in formal documents unless specifically about health. Common in everyday conversation.

Grammar pattern

exercise + object

Memory hint

Think of 'exercise' as 'exerting size' — making your body bigger and stronger.

Collocations

  • good
  • healthy
  • hard
  • do
  • get
  • take
  • programme/​program
  • regime
  • regimen
  • during exercise
  • a form of exercise
  • a kind of exercise
  • a type of exercise
  • great
  • basic
  • simple
  • series
  • set
  • do
  • execute
  • perform
  • easy
  • simple
  • difficult
  • series
  • set
  • do
  • try
  • complete
  • exercise in
  • effective
  • free
  • legitimate
  • limit
  • regulate
  • justify
  • the exercise of authority
  • the exercise of power
  • the exercise of discretion
  • simple
  • straightforward
  • major
  • carry out
  • conduct
  • perform
  • exercise in
  • the aim of the exercise
  • the object of the exercise
  • major
  • field
  • field-training
  • conduct
  • do
  • execute
  • on exercise

Synonyms

  • workout
  • training
  • fitness routine
  • activity
  • drill

Antonyms

  • sedentary
  • inactive

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'exorcise', which means to drive out an evil spirit.
  • Using 'exercise' as a noun with an incorrect verb form.
  • Saying 'do exercise' instead of 'do exercises' or 'go exercise'.