exert
Definitions
To apply or bring to bear (force, pressure, or influence)
施加，运用（力量、压力、影响）
To make a strenuous physical or mental effort (usually 'exert oneself')
尽力，努力（常用 exert oneself）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedex- (out) + serere (stretch, join) = to stretch your force outward and put it to work. Exert always pushes effort or influence outward onto something — you exert pressure on a person, exert influence over events, or exert yourself to finish a task.
Root sert still carries 10 more wordsUsage Guide
- exert + force/pressure/influence/control is the most common pattern: 'exert pressure on someone.'
- exert oneself = make a hard effort: 'Don't exert yourself too much after surgery.'
- The matching noun is exertion (physical or mental effort): 'short of breath after the exertion.'
- Formal; rare in casual speech.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The union exerted pressure on the company to raise wages.
- 2.
Senior staff still exert considerable influence over decisions.
- 3.
You'll have to exert yourself if you want to win.
Easily Confused
exert vs exact — These look similar but are unrelated. exert (with r) means apply force or influence; exact (as a verb) means to demand and obtain something by force ('exact a price'). Don't write 'exert a toll' — the correct verb is 'exact a toll.'