verb C1 Advanced Uncommon

exert

ihg-ZURT

Exert (verb) means to apply or make use of something, such as force, influence, or effort. Example: “The manager exerted pressure on the team to finish early.”

verb

To apply or make use of something, such as force, influence, or effort.

"The manager exerted pressure on the team to finish early."

"Gravity exerts a pull on every object with mass."

How to use exert

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo apply effort, force, or influence toward something.

Common pairings

exert pressure exert influence exert oneself

Word forms

exerted past tense, exerts singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The manager _____ pressure on the team to finish early.

Etymology

From Latin exserere, "to thrust forth, stretch out" — ex- plus serere ("to bind, join").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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exercise maintain wield

Related words

use end keep hold practice train claim exercise

Frequently asked questions

What does “exert” mean?

The word “exert” means to apply or make use of something, such as force, influence, or effort. In plain terms, to apply effort, force, or influence toward something.

How do you pronounce “exert”?

“Exert” is pronounced ihg-ZURT (/ɪɡˈzɝt/ in IPA).

How do you use “exert” in a sentence?

Here is “exert” used in a sentence: “The manager exerted pressure on the team to finish early.”

What part of speech is “exert”?

“Exert” is a verb.

Where does the word “exert” come from?

The word “exert” comes from Latin. From Latin exserere, "to thrust forth, stretch out" — ex- plus serere ("to bind, join").

Is “exert” a common word?

“Exert” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

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