exercise
ˈɛksəsaɪz
noun
Origin
Latin
exercitium — training, exercise
Overview
Meaning Now
- Activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.
- The use or application of a faculty, right, or process.
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
exercise
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word originally related to the 'removal' or 'driving out' of constraints or burdens through rigorous practice, evolving from a military term for drill to a general term for health maintenance.
Evolution
- Latin
exercitium
“training or practice”
- Old French
exercice
“training or bodily movement”
- Middle English
exercise
“the act of practicing or training”
Connections
Word parts
ex-
prefix
out
arcere
root
to keep away/restrain
Related across languages
French
exercice
exercise
Spanish
ejercicio
exercise
Explore next
Related to exercise
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.