practise

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/ˈpræk.tɪs/
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To engage in repeated activity for skill improvement, to work in a profession, to apply a principle, or to observe a religious custom.
Practice using practise in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The community practises traditional prayers.
  • The teacher asked us to practise good manners.
  • He practises mindfulness every morning.
  • She will practise the technique in the lab.
  • After years of study, she finally practised as a veterinarian.

Similar words

exercise
implement
execute
celebrate
drill
observe
work
carry out
hone
follow

Meanings

Train by repetition

verb
education
neutral
To do something repeatedly in order to become skilled at it.

Usage

Use practise for repeated training, such as practise the piano daily.

Examples

  • She practises her French every evening.
  • The team practises drills before the match.
  • He practised the speech several times.
  • I need to practise my typing to improve speed.
  • Children practise counting numbers in class.
  • We will practise the routine tomorrow.

Common mistakes

The noun is often used instead of the verb
IncorrectCorrect
I have a practise every week. I have a practice every week.
She practise the violin. She practices the violin.
They practise their speech yesterday. They practiced their speech yesterday.
He will practise medicine next year. He will practice medicine next year.

Similar words

train
rehearseexercise
drill
hone
repeat

Engage in a profession

verb
professional
formal
To work in a particular field as a regular occupation.

Usage

Use practise when referring to the activity of a professional, such as practise law.

Examples

  • He practises as a solicitor in London.
  • She practised dentistry before opening her own clinic.
  • They practise accounting for small businesses.
  • I will practise medicine after completing my residency.
  • The firm practises corporate law.
  • After years of study, she finally practised as a veterinarian.

Common mistakes

The verb is often confused with the noun, leading to misuse
IncorrectCorrect
She wants to practise law after graduation. She wants to practice law after graduation.
He practised as a doctor for ten years. He practiced as a doctor for ten years.
They will practise medicine in the clinic. They will practice medicine in the clinic.
I intend to practise as a solicitor. I intend to practice as a solicitor.

Similar words

work
operate
serve
function
perform
exercise

Apply a principle

verb
everyday
neutral
To put something into action or use it in real situations.

Usage

Use practise when you apply a rule or habit, such as practise what you preach.

Examples

  • It's important to practise what you preach.
  • They practised the new safety protocol during the drill.
  • We need to practise sustainable habits.
  • The teacher asked us to practise good manners.
  • He practises mindfulness every morning.
  • She will practise the technique in the lab.

Common mistakes

The phrase is sometimes misused with 'practice'
IncorrectCorrect
We should practise what we say. We should practice what we say.
He always tries to practise his ideas. He always tries to practice his ideas.
They will practise the new policy tomorrow. They will practice the new policy tomorrow.
She wants to practise kindness daily. She wants to practice kindness daily.

Similar words

apply
implement
use
exercise
carry out
execute

Observe a religion

verb
religious
neutral
To follow the customs and rituals of a faith.

Usage

Use practise for religious observance, such as practise Buddhism.

Examples

  • Many people practise meditation as part of their faith.
  • He practised the rites every Sabbath.
  • She practises Hindu festivals with devotion.
  • They practise their religion together on Sundays.
  • The community practises traditional prayers.
  • I will practise my faith by volunteering.

Common mistakes

Often confused with the noun, leading to sentences like I have a practise
IncorrectCorrect
She practises Buddhism daily. She practices Buddhism daily.
They will practise their faith at the temple. They will practice their faith at the temple.
He decided to practise Christianity. He decided to practice Christianity.
We should practise our religion with respect. We should practice our religion with respect.

Similar words

observe
follow
adhere to
keep
perform
celebrate

Usage

Use practise for the verb meaning to train, to work in a field, or to apply a method; the noun form is practice.

Common mistakes

The noun is often confused with the verb, leading to sentences like I have a practise instead of I have a practice.

Etymology

From Middle English practisen, from Old French practiser, from Latin practicare ‘to practice’, ultimately from Greek praktikos ‘practical’.

FAQ

What is the difference between practise and practice?

In British English, practise is the verb and practice is the noun; in American English both forms are practice.

How do you form the past tense of practise?

The past tense and past participle are practised.

Can practise be used for professional work?

Yes, you practise a profession such as law or medicine.

Is practise used in religious contexts?

Yes, you can practise a faith or follow its rituals.

What are common mistakes with practise?

A frequent error is using practise as a noun, e.g., I have a practise instead of I have a practice.

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