practise

[prak-tis]

verb (used with or without object)

British.

practised, practising 

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. to take advantage of (someone, someone's credulity, etc)

Other Word Forms

• mispractise noun
• prepractise verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of practise¹

C15: see _practice

Example Sentences

Opening windows where possible and practising good hygiene - using and then binning a tissue for coughs and sneezes and washing your hands - can help prevent this.

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The patients are demanding to know how the surgeon was able to practise unchecked, despite warnings almost a decade earlier.

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I practised harder and harder, pushed myself to the physical limit, believing this was the only way to find my rhythm and form.

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It is just one example in a litany of states practising indiscriminate election populism, according to Emkay Global.

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Nigeria's football coach has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo of practising "voodoo" after his squad's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup ended in a penalty shootout loss.

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When To Use

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.