Reading Theme:
Work Out: Meanings, Examples & Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：Exercise (Work out)
Work out
/wɜːrk aʊt/
phr.v.
To do physical exercise to make your body strong and healthy.
Exercise
➕
/ˈɛk.sɚ.saɪz/
phr.v.
To engage in physical activity to improve fitness, strength, or health.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From 'work' (exert effort) + 'out' (to completion or extraction).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a mechanic 'working out' a stubborn bolt until it comes out – that's the idea of solving through effort.
📖 Example
I try to work out at the gym three times a week to stay fit.
I try to work out at the gym three times a week to stay fit.
🔗 Collocations
work out regularly – engage in exercise on a consistent basis
work out at the gym – perform physical training at a fitness center
work out a sweat – perspire due to intense physical activity
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
rest (v.) – to stop physical activity and relax
be sedentary (v. phrase) – to have a lifestyle involving little physical movement
🌱 Derivatives
workout (n.) – a session of physical exercise
workout routine (n.) – a planned set of exercises performed regularly
📖 Cultural Story
Originated in early 20th century English. First appeared in sporting contexts, then adopted by the fitness industry in the 1970s. Now ubiquitous in gym culture.
Meaning 2：Solve (Work out)
Work out
/wɜːrk aʊt/
phr.v.
To find the answer to a problem or to calculate something successfully.
Solve
➕
/sɒlv/
phr.v.
To find a solution to a problem, puzzle, or mathematical equation through reasoning or calculation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Don't worry, we'll work out a plan to finish the project on time.
Don't worry, we'll work out a plan to finish the project on time.
🔗 Collocations
work out a solution – to develop an answer to a difficulty
work out the details – to clarify or finalize the specifics of something
work out a budget – to calculate and plan financial expenditures
🔄 Synonyms
solve (v.) – to find a correct answer or explanation for a problem
figure out (v. phrase) – to understand or discover something after thinking (informal)
resolve (v.) – to find a solution to a conflict or problem
🚫 Antonyms
complicate (v.) – to make a problem more difficult or complex
confuse (v.) – to cause someone to be unable to think clearly or find a solution
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