What is exertion? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of exertion

exertionnoun

/ɪɡˈzɜːʃn//ɪɡˈzɜːrʃn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "exertion" in English. It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

  • The word is broken down into three syllables: ex-ter-tion

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • ex: Pronounced like "eks" – similar to the "eks" in "example."
  • ter: Pronounced like "tuh-r" – the "uh" is a very short, unstressed syllable. Think of the "er" in "her" but shorter.
  • tion: Pronounced like “shun” – like the last syllable in “button” or “promotion.”

3. Combined:

Putting it all together, it sounds something like: eks-tuh-shun

4. Tips and Common Errors:

  • Don't overemphasize the "er" in "ter." It’s a quick, subtle sound.
  • Don't pronounce the "r" at the end of "ter." It's silent.
  • The "tion" is key. Make sure you get that "shun" sound.

Resources for Hearing it:

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

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • Are there any specific sounds that you find difficult to pronounce?

Usage and examples with the word exertion in English

Let's break down how to use the word "exertion" in English. It's a powerful word with a specific meaning, and it's often confused with just "effort." Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Core Meaning:

  • Exertion refers to the effort or energy you use when doing something physically or mentally demanding. It's about pushing yourself to your limits. It implies a noticeable strain or struggle.

2. Parts of Speech & Usage:

  • Noun: This is the most common use. It refers to the act of exerting effort:

    • "The marathon runner's exertion was remarkable." (Focus: The effort itself)
    • "He pushed himself to the point of exertion during the test." (Focus: The physical/mental strain)
    • “She felt the strain of the exertion in her muscles.”

  • Verb: Less frequently used, but it means to apply effort or force:

    • "The team had to exertion all their skills to win the game." (Meaning: they put in a lot of effort)
    • "The doctor exerted considerable force to diagnose the problem.” (Meaning: applied effort/skill)

3. Key Distinctions: Exertion vs. Effort

This is the crucial point! While often used interchangeably, there’s a subtle difference:

  • Effort: This is a general term for any exertion of energy or mental power. It can be light or intense.
  • Exertion: This implies significant effort; it suggests a noticeable strain or struggle. It often has a physical component, but can also apply to mental tasks.

Example:

  • "She put in a lot of effort to finish the report." (Just doing the work)
  • "He made a tremendous exertion to lift the heavy box." (A serious, straining effort)

4. Common Phrases & Contexts:

  • “To exert oneself”: This is a very common phrase meaning to put in a lot of effort, often to the point of tiredness. “He exerted himself to complete the project on time.”
  • “Physical exertion”: Specifically refers to physical effort, like running, lifting, etc.
  • “Mental exertion”: Refers to the effort of thinking, problem-solving, or learning intensely. “The exam was a huge mental exertion.”
  • “Exertion of power”: To use power forcefully or decisively. “The dictator exerted his power to suppress dissent.”

5. Synonyms (to broaden your vocabulary):

  • Strain
  • Effort
  • Endeavor
  • Struggle
  • Push
  • Vigour
  • Intensity

6. Example Sentences Showcasing Different Uses:

  • "After a long day of hiking, she felt the exertion in her legs." (Physical)
  • “The student’s exertion during the debate was impressive.” (Mental)
  • “It took a great exertion of will to resist the temptation.” (Mental)
  • “The boxer’s exertion in the final round secured his victory.” (Physical)

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., sports, academics, relationships)?
  • Help you practice using "exertion" in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word exertion

Practice with vocabulary exertion

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project required considerable intellectual ___________, especially in the final stages of data analysis.
  2. After hours of strenuous physical ___________, the athletes were completely exhausted.
  3. Despite their best ___________, the team could not finish the report before the deadline.
  4. She felt a significant ___________ on her eyes after spending all day staring at the computer screen.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (multiple answers may be correct)

  1. To achieve peak performance, athletes often push themselves to the point of maximum physical ___________. a) laziness b) exertion c) idleness d) relaxation

  2. Which of the following describes the act of applying great mental or physical effort? a) application b) sluggishness c) exertion d) contemplation e) toil

  3. The successful completion of the complex merger demanded intense ___________ from all departments involved. a) negligence b) inertia c) deliberation d) exertion e) sloth

  4. Which word best describes a determined attempt to achieve a goal? a) apathy b) endeavor c) indifference d) lethargy

  5. After the marathon, many runners experienced extreme ___________ in their muscles. a) vigor b) fatigue c) vitality d) refreshment

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence using "exertion": Original: You will have to put in a lot of effort to master this intricate coding language.

  2. Rewrite the sentence using a related word form of "exertion": Original: The team worked extremely hard to meet the tight project deadline.

  3. Rewrite the sentence without using "exertion," but with a suitable replacement word: Original: The problem was very difficult to solve, and it took us weeks.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. exertion
  2. exertion
  3. efforts
  4. strain

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) exertion
  2. a) application, c) exertion, e) toil
  3. c) deliberation, d) exertion
  4. b) endeavor
  5. b) fatigue

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Mastering this intricate coding language will require considerable exertion.
  2. The team exerted themselves extremely to meet the tight project deadline.
  3. The problem was an arduous task, taking us weeks to resolve.

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