exercise
0 antonyms and opposites of exercise, grouped by meaning.
Noun — Physical activity done to improve fitness or health.
How to use exercise
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French exercise, from Latin exercitium, from exercere, "to keep busy, train."
Full origin of exercise →Frequently asked questions
What does “exercise” mean?
The word “exercise” means physical activity done to improve fitness or health. In plain terms, physical activity for fitness, a practice task for a skill, or using a right or option you have.
How do you pronounce “exercise”?
“Exercise” is pronounced EHK-suh-syz (/ˈɛk.sɚ.saɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “exercise” in a sentence?
Here is “exercise” used in a sentence: “Regular exercise helps lower blood pressure.”
What part of speech is “exercise”?
Depending on how it is used, “exercise” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “exercise” come from?
The word “exercise” comes from Latin. From Old French exercise, from Latin exercitium, from exercere, "to keep busy, train.".
Is “exercise” a common word?
“Exercise” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “exercise” have?
“Exercise” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: physical activity done to improve fitness or health.
What are the main types of exercise?
Exercise is usually grouped into four types: aerobic or cardio (running, cycling, swimming) that trains the heart and lungs; strength or resistance work (weights, push-ups) that builds muscle; flexibility exercise (stretching, yoga); and balance training. A well-rounded routine combines all four to improve overall fitness and reduce injury.
Why is exercise important for health?
Regular exercise strengthens the heart, muscles, and bones, helps control weight, and lowers the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. It also boosts mood by releasing endorphins, improves sleep, and sharpens focus. Beyond the physical benefits, staying active is one of the most reliable ways to support long-term mental and physical health.
What is the difference between exercise and physical activity?
Physical activity is any bodily movement that burns energy — walking to work, cleaning, gardening. Exercise is a subset of that: activity done deliberately and repeatedly to improve fitness or health, like a jog or a gym session. All exercise is physical activity, but not all physical activity counts as exercise.