in practice

Idioms  

1. Actually, in fact, especially as opposed to theoretically or in principle . For example, In practice this contraption seems to work, although no one knows how or why . [Second half of 1500s] Also see put into practice .

2. In the exercise of a particular profession, as in She's an obstetrician and has been in practice for at least ten years . [c. 1700]

3. In a state of being exercised so as to maintain one's skill, as in This trumpeter is always in practice . [Early 1600s] For an antonym, see out of practice .

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in practice

Accreditation determines whether other states will accept a state’s solvency examinations and, in practice, places intense pressure on legislatures to enact specified model laws.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

Even in practice, Freeman’s competitiveness stood out to his new friend.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026

But if you look at other measures such as the amount of treatment being done, the numbers are still down, although not as steep as the fall in practice numbers.

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026

"This is surreal for all of us drivers," said American Kyle Kirkwood, second in practice with a lap at 56.691 seconds.

From Barron's ● Aug. 22, 2026

It’s crazy, but instead of that whole experience pushing me to train even harder, I began slacking off in practice.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles