practise: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “practise” mean?
To perform an activity or exercise repeatedly or regularly to acquire or improve proficiency.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To perform an activity or exercise repeatedly or regularly to acquire or improve proficiency.
To carry out or perform a profession, skill, or custom habitually; to engage in an activity as a regular pattern or occupation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'practise' is the verb spelling, distinct from the noun 'practice'. In American English, the spelling 'practice' is used for both noun and verb.
Connotations
The spelling 'practise' strongly signals a British or Commonwealth writer. Using 'practice' as a verb in British contexts may be perceived as an Americanism or a spelling error.
Frequency
In British English corpora, 'practice' (noun) is more frequent than 'practise' (verb). In American English corpora, 'practice' as a noun is significantly more frequent than its verb usage.
Grammar
How to Use “practise” in a Sentence
practise + noun (practise the violin)practise + V-ing (practise speaking)practise + for + noun (practise for the exam)practise + at/on + noun (practise on the guitar)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “practise” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You must practise your scales every day.
- She practises as a solicitor in Bristol.
- The team will practise on Thursday.
American English
- You must practice your scales every day.
- She practices as an attorney in Chicago.
- The team will practice on Thursday.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable; 'practise' is not an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable; 'practice' as an adjective is rare (e.g., 'practice session').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in professional services: 'She practises corporate law in the city.'
Academic
Describes habitual study or rehearsal: 'Students must practise their language skills daily.'
Everyday
Common for hobbies, sports, and skills: 'He practises football in the park.'
Technical
In medical/legal fields: 'He is licensed to practise medicine in three countries.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “practise”
- Using 'practice' as a verb in British English contexts (e.g., 'I need to practice more' - UK incorrect).
- Spelling 'practise' for the noun in any variety.
- Confusing 'practise' with 'preach' in the idiom 'practise what you preach'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In British English, 'practice' is a noun (e.g., a doctor's practice) and 'practise' is a verb (e.g., to practise medicine). American English uses 'practice' for both.
Use the analogy with 'advice' (noun) and 'advise' (verb). 'Advice/practice' are nouns ending in '-ice'. 'Advise/practise' are verbs ending in '-ise'.
No, in standard English, 'practise' is never a noun. The noun form is always 'practice' (or 'practices' for plural).
Yes, 'practise' (or AmE 'practice') is a regular verb: practise/practised/practising (UK); practice/practiced/practicing (US).
To perform an activity or exercise repeatedly or regularly to acquire or improve proficiency.
Practise is usually neutral to formal in register.
Practise: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpræk.tɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpræk.tɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “practise what you preach”
- “put something into practice”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
In British English: 'Advice' (noun) and 'advise' (verb) follow the same -ice/-ise pattern as 'practice' (noun) and 'practise' (verb).
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPROVEMENT IS A PATH/JOURNEY (e.g., 'practise your way to the top'), SKILL IS A MUSCLE (e.g., 'practise to keep it strong').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'practise' correctly in British English?