Etymology Map
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Exert

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to apply force or effort

Where does the word "exert" come from? It comes from Latin exserere, adopted directly into English (1660s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
exserere
Latin · ancient
"to thrust out"
'ex-' plus 'serere', to join
2
Stage 2 of 2
exert
English · 1660s
"to thrust forth"
'exertion' followed
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Read the full story

Exert’s story begins in Latin: exserere meant “to thrust out.” 'ex-' plus 'serere', to join. It reached English by 1660s as exert. 'exertion' followed. Today, exert means to apply force or effort.