Exertional

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Relating to the physical demands and challenges associated with vigorous activity
2. Connected to the physiological effects experienced during intense exertion
3. Describing something related to the strain or activity involved in intense physical work

Etymology: "Exertional" is a plain formation: the noun "exertion" with the adjective-forming suffix "-al" added to it. "Exertion" itself comes from the verb "exert," which traces back through Latin "exserere," meaning to thrust out or bring forth, built from "ex-" (out) and "serere" (to join or put in a row). The sense of putting effort outward gave rise to the modern meaning of strenuous effort. The suffix "-al" comes from Latin "-alis," and it turns a noun into an adjective meaning "relating to" or "characterised by" that noun. So "exertional" means relating to exertion, and in practice it is used mainly in medical and sporting contexts, as in "exertional angina," where chest pain appears only during physical effort.

Synonyms: physical, active, dynamic, vigorous, strenuous

Antonyms: inactive, lazy, lethargic, sedentary, passive