practise
Americanverb (used with or without object)
verb
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to do or cause to do repeatedly in order to gain skill
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(tr) to do (something) habitually or frequently
they practise ritual murder
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to observe or pursue (something, such as a religion)
to practise Christianity
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to work at (a profession, job, etc)
he practises medicine
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to take advantage of (someone, someone's credulity, etc)
Usage
What’s the difference between practise and practice? In British English (and many other international varieties of English), the spelling practise is used when the word is a verb, while the spelling practice is used when it’s a noun. In American English, the spelling practice is always used, regardless of whether the word is used as a verb or a noun. This is somewhat similar to the difference in spelling between advice (noun) and advise (verb)—a distinction that’s used in both British and American English. However, unlike advice and advise, practise and practice are always pronounced the same. Here is an example of how practise and practice would be used in the same sentence in British English. Example: Remember, practice makes perfect—the more you practise, the better you will get. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between practise and practice.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of practise
C15: see practice
Explanation
The word practise is a variant spelling for the verb practice. American English spells both the noun and verb forms practice. For the Brits, the noun form is still spelled practice, but the verb is practise. To practise is to do something repeatedly or habitually. If you've always practised good spending habits, you are probably in good shape financially even though the economy is bad. To practise also means to learn something or become proficient at it by rehearsing or performing regularly. If you ask a Brit how to get to Carnegie Hall, he might respond, "Practise, practise, practise."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Angela Rayner told the BBC the government would "not allow hatred to drive people from their communities, to make them afraid to live and practise their faith freely or to divide our country".
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026
You can also practise standing on one leg, for example while brushing your teeth.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026
During the 10-day Han Kuang drills that end Friday, Taiwan's military staged combat scenarios for its troops and reservists to practise responding to a Chinese attack.
From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026
But he has been released after his case was dismissed, and, to Tergenbayeva's horror, continues to practise.
From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026
Among the junipers and the birch trees on the moor we practise company drill each day.
From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque
"There is not even one instance wherein caste-based discrimination is being practised when it comes to access to water in the region," it said in a statement.
From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026
To stop them in their tracks, Taiwan's military practised blocking the bridge in an hours-long drill that was to end Friday morning before peak-hour traffic.
From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026
Although trained as an architect she never practised, instead running several construction companies.
From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026
"I was a little nervous. I've never hit a ball with her, never practised, never played a match, so I didn't know what to expect," the 12th seed said.
From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026
She could not give it to him at once, she had resented too deeply the deception he had practised upon her.
From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton
"Those days, if I'm practising or not, I'm trying to be chill and focus on the next round. So golf this year isn't an option."
From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026
It recognises Protestantism and Catholicism as official religions, but practising organisations must register with the government -- something many Christians feel yields an unacceptable amount of control over church affairs and teachings.
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
"It was confusing as the team was practising without me in the team. I almost played a supporting role to keep the morale high," the Monaco striker added.
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026
It also imposed a lifetime ban on him practising medicine.
From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2026
To improve my concentration and flexibility I began practising yoga.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
