exertion
ig-ZUR-shun
/ɪɡˈzɜːrʃn/
physical or mental effort.
Exertion implies a conscious, often strenuous, application of force or energy.
The story behind the word. The Latin 'exserere' meant to 'thrust out' or 'put forth'. It’s the idea of pushing your internal energy out into the world to accomplish a task.
Word relationships
- effort: A more general term that can be light or heavy; exertion is usually heavy.
- strain: Implies exertion that might be harmful or excessive.
- relaxation: The state of being free from tension and anxiety.
- idleness: The state of being lazy or having no employment.
Commonly confused with
- exercise: Exercise is a structured activity; exertion is the actual effort put into that activity.
Word family
- exert (verb): To put forth effort.
- exertive (adjective): Involving exertion.
Collocations
- physical exertion
- mental exertion
- strenuous exertion
Example sentences
- "He was panting from the exertion of climbing the steep hill with a heavy pack." Describing the physical toll of a climb.
- "She was not used to such violent exertion, and her breath came in quick gasps." A classic literary description of effort.
Memory hook
Exertion sounds like 'extra-shun'—you have to put in 'extra' effort. Pushing out power.
When not to use
Don't use it for effortless movement; it must involve a sense of 'pushing' oneself.
Fun facts
- The term is used in physics to describe the force applied to an object, not just biological effort.
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