How to pronounce exercise
Say it like EK-ser-syze. Exercise has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce exercise. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- EK
- ser
- syze
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Exercise pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- EKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- serKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- syzeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of exercise
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: EK-suh-syze.
What does exercise mean?
- the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit“the doctor recommended regular exercise”“he did some exercising”
- the act of using“he warned against the use of narcotic drugs”“skilled in the utilization of computers”
- systematic training by multiple repetitions“practice makes perfect”
- put to use“exert one's power or influence”
- carry out or practice; as of jobs and professions“practice law”
- give a workout to“Some parents exercise their infants”“My personal trainer works me hard”
Where does exercise come from?
From Middle English exercise, from Old French exercise, from Latin exercitium.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying exercise
How do you pronounce exercise?
Say EK-ser-syze. The American pronunciation is /ˈɛksɚˌsaɪz/. In British English it is /ˈɛksəˌsaɪz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in exercise?
Exercise has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (EK). Broken into parts: EK · ser · syze.
Is exercise pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈɛksəˌsaɪz/ (EK-suh-syze).