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exert meaning and examples

2025-09-08

Meaning

Exert means to apply or use effort, power, or influence in order to achieve something. It often refers to putting physical or mental energy into action.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Verb (transitive)

  • Patterns:

    • exert + effort/energy/strength → to use effort to achieve something.
    • exert + influence/control/power → to use authority or ability to affect something.
    • exert oneself → to make a great effort, often physically.

Common Phrases

  • exert influence
  • exert control
  • exert pressure
  • exert effort
  • exert oneself

Collocations

  • Verb + exert: try to exert, attempt to exert, continue to exert
  • Noun + exert: exert pressure, exert authority, exert effort
  • Adverb + exert: strongly exert, directly exert, successfully exert

Examples

  1. She had to exert a lot of effort to lift the heavy box.
  2. The company tried to exert influence over government policy.
  3. He exerted all his strength to open the stuck door.
  4. Teachers often exert control in the classroom to maintain order.
  5. The group exerted pressure on the council to change the law.
  6. You will need to exert yourself if you want to pass the exam.
  7. The manager exerted his authority to resolve the conflict quickly.
  8. Athletes must exert maximum energy during competitions.
  • apply
  • employ
  • use
  • wield
  • exercise
  • utilize

Antonym

  • refrain
  • withhold
  • neglect
  • abandon