practise - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
practise Word Meanings
- to perform an activity regularly or repeatedly to improve skill
- to carry out or engage in a particular profession or occupation
practise Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
practise Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpræktɪs/
US
/ˈpræktɪs/
practise Word Etymology
Root: 'pract-' (to do) + suffix '-ise'. Historical origin: Latin 'practicus' → Old French 'practique' → English 'practise'. Memory image: Imagine a musician who practices every day, transforming a simple tune into a beautiful symphony through repetition.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I pick up a guitar and place my fingers on the fretboard, then I move them along the neck, pushing and pulling to hear a tone. The sound comes in a slow, steady breath; I push and pull with effort, feeling my nerves settle into a rhythm. With each try, I change a tiny grip, hold it steady, and decide whether to keep going or pause. This is practise in motion, turning effort into a habit that comes out when I play for real.
Real Context
Practise is a verb meaning to perform an activity regularly or repeatedly to improve a skill, or to perform or engage in a particular profession. In British English, the verb spelling is 'practise,' while the noun form is 'practice.' In American English, the verb is typically spelled 'practice.' The idea centers on repetition, deliberate effort, and patient progress, not a single action. People practise sports, musical instruments, languages, or professional duties to build competence. A helpful memory image is a musician who practices daily, turning a simple tune into a beautiful performance through steady repetition.
Usage Reminders
- Note the spelling difference between British 'practise' (verb) and American 'practice' (verb and noun). Use 'practise' before a noun that you intend as a verb in British English; otherwise use 'practice'. Prefer 'to practise' for daily skill-building, and 'to practice' for professional activity in US English. When naming a profession, you can say 'to practise medicine' (UK) or 'to practice medicine' (US). Everyday contexts favor concrete actions: you practise a sport, instrument, language, or skill. For plural third person, 'he practises' (UK) vs 'he practices' (US).
Common Misconceptions
- Mistaking practise for the noun 'practice' in all cases.
- Using 'practise' for US English contexts where 'practice' is standard.
- Thinking 'practise' is a noun rather than a verb in British English.
- Confusing 'practice' (verb) with 'practice' (noun) in professional contexts.
- Believing 'to practise medicine' is incorrect in all varieties of English.
Thinking Differences
In English, practise blends everyday skill-building with occasional professional usage; British spelling marks a subtle noun/verb distinction that can trip learners who assume US spelling everywhere. Learners often overgeneralize to one tense or confuse the noun form, especially in writing tasks.
Learning Tips
- Set a small, consistent practice time each day.
- Choose one skill to practice and track improvement.
- Pair practice with feedback from a teacher or peer.
- Differentiate when to use practise (verb) vs practice (noun/verb) in writing.
- Use examples from real life (songs, sports, language) to stay motivated.
- Review spelling rules for British vs American usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'practise'?
A.To teach effectively
B.To rehearse or improve skills
C.To take a break
D.To perform sporadically
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correctly used sentence that includes 'practise'.
A.I want to learn how to practises guitar better.
B.They practised their dance routine daily.
C.She will practises her public speaking skills tomorrow.
D.He needs to practised writing essays more.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'practise'?
A.Train
B.Play
C.Rest
D.Doubt
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'practise'?
A.Neglect
B.Perfect
C.Utilize
D.Focus
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where one might 'practise'?
A.He is going to the gym to improve his health.
B.They are preparing for their final exams at school.
C.She reviews the recipe before cooking.
D.He pays attention to his breathing techniques during yoga.
Related Listening
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