What does aerobically mean?
Aerobically is an adverb describing action performed in an aerobic manner — that is, in a way that relies on the body's use of oxygen to sustain effort. It is most often encountered in fitness and health contexts: someone might train aerobically by jogging, cycling, or swimming, or be described as aerobically fit if their heart and lungs efficiently deliver oxygen during prolonged activity. The word derives from 'aerobic', itself built from the Greek roots 'aero-' (air) and '-bios' (life), and it entered common usage following the popularisation of aerobics as an exercise discipline in the late twentieth century. Its natural counterpart is 'anaerobically', which describes intense, short bursts of effort that do not depend on oxygen. Because it carries no strong connotation of formality or informality, aerobically moves comfortably between scientific writing and everyday conversation about exercise.
adverbIn a manner relating to or involving aerobic exercise, which requires the body to use oxygen to sustain activity. By extension, in a way that depends on or promotes efficient oxygen use.
- In a manner involving aerobic exercise or oxygen-dependent physical activity.
- In terms of cardiovascular fitness or oxygen-using capacity (e.g. 'aerobically fitter').
"She trained aerobically throughout the winter so that her endurance would be ready for the spring marathon."
"To build stamina for the hike, she trained aerobically three times a week."
"Swimming is one of the best ways to stay aerobically active without stressing the joints."
The word 'aerobics' was only coined in 1968 by a US Air Force doctor — making 'aerobically' one of the youngest adverbs in everyday fitness vocabulary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of aerobically
Aerobically derives from 'aerobic', an adjective formed from the Greek elements 'aero-' meaning air and '-bios' meaning life, originally used in biology to describe organisms that require oxygen. The related noun 'aerobics' was coined in 1968 by American physician Kenneth Cooper to describe his system of endurance exercise, rapidly entering popular vocabulary. The adverb 'aerobically' followed as a natural derivative, now standard across British and US English.
Related word forms
How aerobically is actually used
A neutral, technical-to-everyday term common in fitness, sports science, and medical writing. It appears most often in phrases like 'aerobically fit' or 'train aerobically', and contrasts directly with 'anaerobically'.
Easily confused with aerobically
Aerobically describes activity sustained by oxygen (like jogging), while anaerobically describes short, intense effort without oxygen (like sprinting or heavy lifting).