exercée

Exercée is the feminine singular past participle of the French verb exercer. In ordinary use it denotes that something has been exercised, carried out, or performed. It functions as an adjective agreeing in gender and number with the noun it modifies, or appears in passive constructions with the auxiliary être.

Etymology and forms: Exercée derives from Latin exercere, via Old French exercer. The related forms include exercé (masculine singular), exercés (masculine plural), and exercées (feminine plural). The feminine singular form exercée is used when describing a feminine noun, as in autorité exercée.

Usage: Exercée commonly appears in formal or bureaucratic language, especially with nouns for authority, functions, or duties. Examples include l’autorité exercée, le pouvoir exercé, and la fonction exercée. In sentences using a compound tense, the participle agrees with the verb’s auxiliary: with être, it agrees with the subject (La décision est exercée); with avoir, it agrees with a preceding direct object (Les tâches qu’elle a exercées).

Notes on nuance: As a past participle used as an adjective, exercée emphasizes that an action or authority has been exercised or established. It does not itself denote repetition or ongoing action; that sense is conveyed by the broader context and other verbs.

See also: Exercer, exercice, exercer une autorité.