exert
ig-ZERT
/ɪɡˈzɜːt/
To apply or bring to bear force, influence, or physical effort.
Requires a reflexive pronoun or direct object (e.g., 'exert oneself', 'exert pressure') to express pushing physical limits.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'exserere' meaning to thrust forth or put out. In 17th-century English, it meant bringing internal strength or authority into active operation externally.
Word relationships
- expend: Focuses on spending or consuming energy rather than applying directed force.
- strain: Implies pulling or pushing past safe physical capacity.
- rest: To cease physical exertion and recuperate.
- relax: To release muscular tension and force.
Commonly confused with
- insert: Insert means to put something into a space, whereas exert means to put forth physical force.
Word family
- exertion (noun): The act of exerting force or effort.
Collocations
- exert force
- exert influence
- exert pressure
- exert oneself
Example sentences
- "Be careful not to exert yourself beyond your limit during the summer outdoor training sessions." Physical effort
Memory hook
Exert means putting EXTRA effort into your movement. Ex-serere: thrusting energy out into action.
When not to use
Do not use intransitively without an object (e.g., 'I am exerting' is grammatically incomplete; use 'I am exerting myself').
Fun facts
- The noun form 'exertion' is often used in medical disclaimers on gym membership contracts.
Related words
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