exert

/ɪɡˈzɜːt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪɡˈzɜːrt/ (ame, ipa) · /ig-ˈzərt/ (ame, mw)

exert — verb

  • exertpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • exertshe / she / it
  • exertedpast simple
  • exerting-ing form

1. to use power, authority, or influence in a deliberate way to produce a particula

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to use power, authority, or influence in a deliberate way to produce a particular result

例句

The union exerted pressure on the company to raise wages.

exert pressure on [sb] to [do]

Nikos exerted his authority to push the project through the committee.

exert + authority + to [do]

同義詞
  • apply

    broader, less forceful; can be used with rules or methods

  • exercise

    more formal; often used for rights, patience, or authority

  • wield

    slightly physical flavour; suggests power held and actively used

  • bring to bear

    formal phrase; suggests concentrated, sustained effort

反義詞
  • withhold

    refuse to use power or influence one has

  • relinquish

    give up authority or control entirely

文法句型

exert + noun (authority/power/influence/pressure)

用法筆記

The direct object of this sense is always an abstract noun such as authority, influence, power, or pressure. Never use a person or concrete object.

常見錯誤

❌The boss exerted his employees to work harder.
✅The boss exerted pressure on his employees to work harder.
💡exert requires an abstract noun (authority, pressure, influence), not a person, as its object.
❌She exerted the new rule immediately.
✅She exerted her authority to enforce the new rule.
💡exert is not a synonym for apply/enforce rules; it means putting your own resource (authority, power) to use.

2. to use effort, strength, or energy — either mental or physical — to achieve some

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to use effort, strength, or energy — either mental or physical — to achieve something

例句

Roya exerted herself to finish the marathon in under four hours.

exert + reflexive pronoun

The students exerted great effort to prepare for the final exams.

exert + effort + to [do]

同義詞
  • strive

    suggests purposeful, sustained effort toward a goal

  • push

    informal; can mean driving oneself beyond normal limits

  • strain

    implies physical difficulty and possible overexertion

  • labour

    suggests heavy, often physical work over time

反義詞
  • relax

    stop making an effort; let go of tension

  • idle

    spend time doing nothing productive

文法句型

exert + reflexive pronoun

exert + noun (effort/strength/energy)

用法筆記

When the object is not specified (effort/strength/energy), this sense requires a reflexive pronoun: exert oneself. Common in descriptions of sports, exams, rescue operations, and mentally demanding tasks.

常見錯誤

❌She exerted to open the jar.
✅She exerted herself to open the jar.
💡When no direct object like effort or strength is given, the reflexive pronoun (oneself) is required.
❌He exerted hard to win the race.
✅He exerted himself to win the race.
💡exert is not used with an adverb like 'hard' in this way; use the reflexive construction instead.