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
- mispractise noun
- prepractise verb
Etymology
Origin of practise
C15: see practice
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.
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.
From BBC
The patients are demanding to know how the surgeon was able to practise unchecked, despite warnings almost a decade earlier.
From BBC
I practised harder and harder, pushed myself to the physical limit, believing this was the only way to find my rhythm and form.
From BBC
It is just one example in a litany of states practising indiscriminate election populism, according to Emkay Global.
From BBC
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.
From Barron's
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.