Exercer

Exercer is a Portuguese verb meaning to put into practice, to exercise or to exert. It is used to indicate carrying out duties, powers, or activities, and can take a direct object (exercer um direito, exercer uma função) or a complement that specifies what is being practiced or carried out (exercer uma profissão, exprimir uma influência).

Etymology and grammar: Exercer comes from Latin exercēre, meaning to keep busy or to perform. In Portuguese it is a regular -er verb, but its present tense forms involve orthographic changes to preserve the pronunciation, such as eu exerço, tu exerces, ele exerce, nós exercemos, vocês exercem. The verb can be used in various tenses to express the act of exercising or exerting in different moments.

Common usages: The verb is frequently paired with rights, duties, powers, and authorities, as in exercer um direito, exercer as funções de um cargo, or exercer autoridade. It is also common with professions or activities, for example exercer uma profissão (to practice a profession) or exercer uma atividade profissional. Exercer influence or controle também are typical collocations. When referring to physical activity, however, Portuguese typically uses exercitar-se or praticar exercícios, rather than exercer.

Nuances and regional notes: Exercer is widely used in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. In formal or legal language, the sense of exercising rights or powers is common and precise. In everyday speech, the nuance often centers on the act of fulfilling duties, maintaining authority, or performing a role, rather than on physical training. Subtle distinctions may appear with synonyms like praticar and exercitar, depending on context.