exert
释义
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）
词根拆分
词根派生ex-（向外）+ serere（伸展、连接）= 把力量向外伸展、投入运用。exert 总是把努力或影响向外推到某事物上——对人 exert pressure，对事态 exert influence，或 exert yourself 去完成任务。
词根 sert 还连着 10 个词使用指南
- exert + force/pressure/influence/control 是最常见搭配：exert pressure on someone。
- exert oneself = 使劲、努力：Don't exert yourself too much after surgery.
- 对应名词是 exertion（体力或脑力的付出）：short of breath after the exertion.
- 较正式，口语中少用。
例句
- 1.
The union exerted pressure on the company to raise wages.
工会对公司施压，要求加薪。
- 2.
Senior staff still exert considerable influence over decisions.
资深员工对决策仍有相当大的影响力。
- 3.
You'll have to exert yourself if you want to win.
想赢的话你就得加把劲。
易混词辨析
exert vs exact —— 形似但无关。exert（带 r）指施加力量或影响；exact（作动词）指强行索取（exact a price）。不要写 'exert a toll'，正确说法是 'exact a toll'。