What is exercise? Pronunciation and usage in English

exercise means . Learn how to pronounce and use exercise through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of exercise

exercisenoun/verb

/ˈɛksəsʌɪz/
Definition & pronunciation of exercise

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "exercise" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

"Exercise" is typically broken down into three syllables:

  • ex - (like the beginning of "exit")
  • er - (rhymes with "her")
  • cise - (this is the most challenging part)

2. Sounds:

  • ex: Pronounced like “eks” – short “e” sound.
  • er: Pronounced like “er” – as in “her” or “term.”
  • cise: This is where it gets tricky. It’s pronounced like “sies.” It's not like "size." It's a distinct "s" sound followed by a "yes" sound. Think of it as a quick little upward inflection.

3. Putting it Together:

So, the whole word is pronounced: eks - er - sies

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't stress the “c”: Many people over-emphasize the “c” sound in “cise.” Keep it short and quick.
  • The “sies” sound is key: Really focus on creating that little “yes” sound at the end. Think of it as a very brief, upward melodic rise.
  • Don't say "ex-er-cise" like you would a list of items: It’s a blended sound, not three distinct words.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/exercise/ (This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.)
  • YouTube: Search for "How to pronounce exercise" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To help me tailor the explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a beginner English learner, or do you have some experience?

Usage and examples with the word exercise in English

Let's break down how to use the word "exercise" in English. It has several different meanings, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Physical Exercise (Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: This refers to physical activity done to improve or maintain fitness, strength, and health.
  • Examples:
    • "I go for a run every morning – that's my exercise." (Running is a specific form of exercise)
    • "She does yoga for exercise." (Yoga is a type of exercise)
    • "Regular exercise is important for good health."
    • "He needs to do more exercise to lose weight."
    • “I’m doing some exercise at the gym.”
  • Phrases:
    • Do exercise: "Let’s do some exercise together."
    • Get some exercise: “I need to get some exercise today.”
    • Exercise your body: "Exercise your body regularly."

2. Legal Exercise of a Right

  • Definition: This refers to the act of using a legal right or power. This is a more formal usage.
  • Examples:
    • “The company is exercising its right to terminate the contract.” (Using a contractual right)
    • "He exercised his option to buy the shares." (Using the option he had)
    • “The government is exercising its authority to investigate.” (Using its power to investigate)
  • Synonyms: Assert, invoke, utilize, claim.

3. A Piece of Exercise (Often in a Workbook or Set)

  • Definition: This refers to a sheet of paper or a set of problems designed for practice, particularly in mathematics or grammar.
  • Examples:
    • “The student was given an exercise to complete.”
    • "Work through these exercises to sharpen your skills.”
    • "This workbook has numerous exercises."

4. To Exercise (As a Verb - Means to Use or Control)

  • Definition: This is a less common usage of "exercise" as a verb, meaning to use or control something, often with a sense of skill or effort.
  • Examples:
    • "She exercises her leadership skills by taking on challenging projects." (Using her skills)
    • "He exercises a lot of caution when driving." (Using caution)
    • "The artist exercises great skill in his paintings." (Using skill)

5. Exercise (as a noun - A Board of Directors)

  • Definition: This refers to the people who make decisions for a company.
  • Example: “The board of exercise voted to approve the merger.”

Key Differences & How to Choose the Right Word

Feature Physical Exercise Legal Exercise Exercise (Workbook) Exercise (Verb) Board of Exercise
Meaning Physical activity Using a right Practice problems To use/control Company directors
Part of Speech Noun Noun Noun Verb Noun

Tips for Using “Exercise” Correctly:

  • Context is King: Pay close attention to the surrounding words and sentences to determine which meaning is intended.
  • Synonyms: If you’re unsure, consider using synonyms (e.g., activity, workout, right, option, skill).

Could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in using the word "exercise" in? (e.g., talking about fitness, discussing legal issues, referring to schoolwork, etc.)

Synonyms for the word exercise

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