GREAT GIFT IDEA!

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.9

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

exert

verb

/ɪgˈzɜrt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of exert

To apply physical or mental effort, force, or influence in order to accomplish a task or achieve a particular outcome.
"If you exert more control over your impulses, you’ll make better decisions."

Detailed meaning of exert

When someone exerts themselves, they put forth energy, strength, or control to bring about a desired result. This exertion can take various forms, such as physical exertion in sports or manual labor, or mental exertion in problem-solving or decision-making. It implies a deliberate and purposeful action, often involving perseverance, determination, and concentration. To exert oneself means to make a conscious effort and channel one's abilities or resources towards a specific goal or objective. It can involve pushing one's limits, employing skills, or utilizing authority to effect change or accomplish something meaningful.

Example sentences containing exert

1. People often exert a lot of effort into perfecting their craft.
2. Athletes need to exert themselves in training to improve performance.
3. When you lift weights, you exert force against gravity.
4. Sometimes parents exert too much pressure on their children to excel academically.
5. Managers should exert their influence to foster a positive work environment.
6. To succeed, we must exert our willpower in overcoming obstacles.

History and etymology of exert

The verb 'exert' has its etymological roots in Latin and carries the sense of applying effort or force with intention. It originates from the Latin word 'exserere,' which is a combination of 'ex,' meaning 'out,' and 'serere,' meaning 'to bind' or 'to connect.' The notion here is that when you exert yourself, you are essentially putting forth your energy and binding it to a specific task or purpose. Over time, as Latin evolved into Old French and then into English, 'exert' retained this core idea of applying physical or mental effort, force, or influence to achieve a particular outcome or accomplish a task. Consequently, the etymology of 'exert' underscores the deliberate and purposeful nature of the effort involved in exerting oneself.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the verb exert:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of exert

1. During the negotiation, both parties will exert their bargaining power.
2. Teachers exert a significant impact on the lives of their students.
3. The council will exert its authority to enforce the new regulations.
4. You don't have to exert yourself too much; take it easy and gradually build up.
5. To reach your goals, exert focus and discipline daily.
6. Let's exert a positive change in the community by volunteering.
7. The protestors exert a strong message through peaceful demonstrations.
8. He will exert his charm to win the crowd over during the speech.
9. We must exert caution when crossing the street.
10. To open the jar, you may need to exert a little more force.
11. Lawyers often exert various strategies to win a case.
12. The springs in the mattress exert an upward force that counters your weight.
13. Please exert care when handling fragile items.
14. She had to exert herself to finish the marathon.
15. He can exert control over the situation if needed.
16. Please exert caution when handling fragile items.
17. The team will exert maximum effort in the game.
18. Parents often exert influence on their children's choices.
19. It's crucial to exert pressure evenly on the surface.
20. You should exert your creativity in this project.
21. Leaders must exert authority to maintain order.
22. Teachers exert a significant impact on students' lives.
23. The athlete will exert himself to win the championship.
24. The CEO can exert a profound impact on company culture.