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
Etymology
Origin of practise
C15: see practice
Explanation
The word practise is a variant spelling for the verb practice. American English spells both the noun and verb forms practice. For the Brits, the noun form is still spelled practice, but the verb is practise. To practise is to do something repeatedly or habitually. If you've always practised good spending habits, you are probably in good shape financially even though the economy is bad. To practise also means to learn something or become proficient at it by rehearsing or performing regularly. If you ask a Brit how to get to Carnegie Hall, he might respond, "Practise, practise, practise."
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.
See Examples For:
"I practise in front of a mirror for maybe three to four hours a day," he said.
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
The new forge will offer visitors the chance to practise the skills involved and even allow newly-weds to create a keepsake of their own.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
She also suggests a "goodbye ritual" with your child to practise separation, such as blowing a kiss.
From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026
You can also practise standing on one leg, for example while brushing your teeth.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026
All one hears is the drummers practising; they have installed themselves somewhere and practise brokenly, dully, monotonously.
From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque
She practised in a simulator beforehand and took part in a detailed programme of gym work, which included neck strengthening sessions, with some of the drivers on the F1 grid.
From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026
Ren insisted that financial giving -- used partly to pay pastors -- is part of Biblical teaching practised by Christian churches.
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
Clients have drifted away from Song Oh-soon's fortune-telling village on the edge of Seoul, preferring online AI-powered divination to the centuries-old prophesying tradition still practised there.
From Barron's ● Aug. 13, 2026
Quiñonez, 30, has been campaigning to eradicate the practice in Colombia - where it is still practised by members of her Emberá Indigenous community.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
When my child is ready, I thought now, I will teach him too; and I practised harder than ever lest my fingers should lose their skill.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
Other specific training aimed at modernising the Army – such as practising drone and counter-drone warfare is expected to continue.
From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026
Refering to its current beauty therapy provision, it said it was "delivered by practising beauty therapists and includes training on ethical practice, personal safety and clear professional boundaries when working with clients of all genders".
From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026
It recognises Protestantism and Catholicism as official religions, but practising organisations must register with the government -- something many Christians feel yields an unacceptable amount of control over church affairs and teachings.
From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026
Her daughter has now mastered over 1,300 Rubik's Cube solving algorithms, practising daily for two to three hours, Lin said.
From Barron's
“So practising with your team will prepare him for the rigors of American collegiate tennis, should he get the scholarship.”
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
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