practise

American  

[prak-tis] / ˈpræk tɪs /

verb (used with or without object)

British.

practised, practising

1. practice.

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practise British  

/ 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)

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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

• mispractise noun
• prepractise verb

Etymology

Origin of practise

C15: see _practice

Example Sentences

Superata said that fewer young Japanese want a life that demands huge discipline and comes with a strict practise schedule.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

"But the Miyako Odori is a one-hour show in which geisha and maiko have the opportunity to showcase the arts they practise daily," she said.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

New recruits get to practise refloating an animal of that size using a life-sized two tonne replica pilot whale, which is filled with air and water.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

Benson also offers appointments of up to an hour and says she has more freedom to practise lifestyle medicine, looking at underlying causes and sometimes deprescribing.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

I came to practise against professionals like Frew Macmillan, Peter Fleming and Fred McNair.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane