Word
exert
Meanings
to use physical or mental effort
to apply power or influence to affect a situation or other people
Definition
To exert means to use strength, effort, or influence to achieve a result.
To exert is to apply effort, energy, or force in order to do something or make something happen. It can refer to physical effort, such as pushing or lifting, or mental effort, such as concentrating. It is also used for influence, meaning to use authority or pressure to affect someone’s actions or decisions.
Examples
- I had to exert all my concentration to follow the rapid discussion in the seminar.
- You shouldn’t exert yourself too much on the first day of training, even if you feel motivated.
- He tried to exert his authority over the team, but he quickly realized respect had to be earned.
- She exerted considerable influence behind the scenes to keep the project moving.
- They exerted pressure on the supplier to meet the deadline without compromising quality.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse "exert" with "insert" or use it without an object, but it usually needs one (e.g., exert pressure/effort/influence).
More at C1 level
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More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.