What does exhaust mean?
Word: Exhaust
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Exhaust means to make somebody very tired. It can also mean to use something up completely.
Synonyms: tire out, wear out
How do you spell exhaust?
Syllables: ex - haust
Tricky part: A silent h hides straight after the x. You do not hear it, so students write the word without it.
Watch out for: exaust, egzaust
Memory tip: Think of a runner out of breath: the h after the x is the tired little puff that makes no sound.
Exhaust in a sentence
Example 1: Two hours of football can exhaust even the fittest player.
Example 2: The steep climb to the fort began to exhaust the younger children.
Example 3: Do not exhaust your pocket money on the first day of the fair.
Fun Fact
The same word names the pipe at the back of a car that carries waste gases away. The idea fits: the Latin word behind it meant to draw out or drain.
Practise the CREST Way
Spellacadabra
Choose the correct option to make a meaningful word:
exh_ _st
a) au
b) ou
c) aw
d) oa
Show answer
a) au. August and autumn spell this sound the same way.
Word Champ
Read the statements and choose the correct option:
1. Campers who exhaust their supply of matches still have plenty left. 2. Bamboo is a tall plant with hollow stems. 3. A stapel is a small piece of wire that fastens papers.
a) all three are correct
b) only 2
c) both 2 and 3
d) only 1
Show answer
b) only 2. Campers who use up a supply have none left, and the fastener in the last statement should be spelt staple.
Word Puzzle
Match each word with its opposite:
1. exhaust 2. borrow 3. praise a. lend b. refresh c. blame
a) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c
b) 1-a, 2-b, 3-c
c) 1-b, 2-c, 3-a
d) 1-c, 2-a, 3-b
Show answer
a) 1-b, 2-a, 3-c. Borrowing is the reverse of lending, praise the reverse of blame, and a cool drink can refresh someone a hard game has tired out.
Jumble Tumble
Choose the correct sequence of the jumbled letters to form a meaningful word:
hstaexu 1234567
a) 5426173
b) 3712465
c) 6541273
d) 5614723
Show answer
d) 5614723. Pick the letters in the order the digits give and all seven fall into place.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which task is most likely to exhaust a swimmer?
a) forty fast lengths of the pool
b) a slow sip of warm water
c) a short rest on the bench
d) one gentle stretch by the side
Show answer
a) forty fast lengths of the pool
2. Which remark fits the end of a day that has exhausted you?
a) I feel ready for a race.
b) I have been bored all day.
c) I need an early night.
d) I could run for hours.
Show answer
c) I need an early night.
