practice
PRAK-tihs
Also spelled practise (UK spelling)
Practice (noun) means Repeated exercise of an activity in order to improve a skill. Example: “Regular practice is the only way to get better at the guitar.”
noun
1
Repeated exercise of an activity in order to improve a skill.
"Regular practice is the only way to get better at the guitar."
"Piano practice every day made a huge difference to her playing."
"The team held an extra practice before the championship game."
2
The ongoing pursuit of a profession, especially medicine or law.
"She joined a busy legal practice in the city after finishing her studies."
"The vet's practice is closed on Sundays, so call the emergency number."
"He has run a small dental practice in the same town for thirty years."
3
A habitual way of doing something.
"In my country, removing your shoes at the door is standard practice."
"The company has a practice of sending a card to every new employee."
"It is common practice to tip waitstaff in the United States."
How to use practice
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing an activity repeatedly to improve, or the ongoing work of a profession like medicine or law.
UK vs US
British English distinguishes the noun "practice" from the verb "practise"; American English spells both "practice".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
medical practice
best practice
in practice
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Word forms
- Plural
- practices
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Regular _____ is the only way to get better at the guitar.
Etymology
From Middle French pratiser, ultimately from Ancient Greek praktikos, "practical" — the noun spelling with -ice became standard in British English, while American English also uses "practice" for the verb.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for practice
See all rhymes for practice →Frequently asked questions
What does “practice” mean?
The word “practice” means repeated exercise of an activity in order to improve a skill. In plain terms, doing an activity repeatedly to improve, or the ongoing work of a profession like medicine or law.
How do you pronounce “practice”?
“Practice” is pronounced PRAK-tihs (/ˈpɹæktɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “practice” in a sentence?
Here is “practice” used in a sentence: “Piano practice every day made a huge difference to her playing.”
What part of speech is “practice”?
“Practice” is a noun.
Where does the word “practice” come from?
The word “practice” comes from Ancient Greek. From Middle French pratiser, ultimately from Ancient Greek praktikos, "practical" — the noun spelling with -ice became standard in British English, while American English also uses "practice" for the verb.
Is “practice” a common word?
“Practice” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “practice” have?
“Practice” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: repeated exercise of an activity in order to improve a skill.
What is the difference between 'practice' and 'practise'?
In British English, "practice" with a c is the noun, as in "football practice," while "practise" with an s is the verb, as in "practise the piano." American English uses "practice" for both. A memory aid: "advice" and "advise" follow the same pattern, with the c form being the noun.
Is it true that practice makes perfect?
The saying means that repeating an activity steadily improves your skill, and there is real truth in it. However, experts stress that quality matters as much as quantity: focused, well-directed effort, sometimes called deliberate practice, improves you faster than mindless repetition. So it is fairer to say that good practice makes perfect.
What is the difference between practice and theory?
Theory is the ideas, principles, and knowledge behind an activity, while practice is actually doing it in the real world. Something can work in theory but prove harder in practice, where real conditions and limits apply. The two work together: theory guides practice, and practice tests and refines theory.
Why is practice important?
Practice turns knowledge into ability. Repeating a skill builds memory, coordination, and confidence, making the actions faster and more automatic over time. It reveals weaknesses so you can correct them and gradually raises your standard. Whether in music, sport, or work, steady practice is the main path from beginner to expert.
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