practise

[ prak-tis ]

verb (used with or without object)

, British.

, prac·tised, prac·tis·ing.

1. practice.

practise

/ ˈpræktɪs /

verb

1. to do or cause to do repeatedly in order to gain skill
2. tr to do (something) habitually or frequently

   they practise ritual murder

3. to observe or pursue (something, such as a religion)

   to practise Christianity

4. to work at (a profession, job, etc)

   he practises medicine

5. foll byon or upon to take advantage of (someone, someone's credulity, etc)

Other Words From

• mis·practise noun verb mispractised mispractising
• pre·practise verb prepractised prepractising

Word History and Origins

Origin of practise¹

C15: see practice

Example Sentences

It was a profession that many of the Maharashtrian Dalits in his slum had practised for generations, but some were luckier than others.

From Quartz

Practise gliding in the form of inflection, or slide, from one extreme of pitch to another.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall soon depart, and practise no more; and my time will become my own—still my own, by no means yours.

From Project Gutenberg

The object of this practise is to attain facility in manipulating the elements while maintaining the smooth quality of the tone.

From Project Gutenberg

He need not stop further study, but whatever else he learns let him at least practise this daily recital for one month.

From Project Gutenberg

Ki Pak had an arrow-walk and target in his garden, and here it was that Yung Pak used to practise almost daily.

From Project Gutenberg

Practise Vs. Practice

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.

Quiz yourself on practise vs. practice!

True or False?

In American English, the spelling practice is used only for nouns.