Dictionary
1practice
verb prac·tice \ˈprak-təs\
: to do something again and again in order to become better at it
: to do (something) regularly or constantly as an ordinary part of your life
: to live according to the customs and teachings of (a religion)
prac·ticed also prac·tisedprac·tic·ing also prac·tis·ing
Full Definition of PRACTICE
transitive verb
1
2
a : to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient <practice the act> b : to train by repeated exercises <practice pupils in penmanship>
3
obsolete : plot
intransitive verb
1
: to do repeated exercises for proficiency
2
: to pursue a profession actively
3
archaic : intrigue
4
: to do something customarily
5
: to take advantage of someone <he practised on their credulity with huge success — Times Literary Supplement>
— prac·tic·er noun
See practice defined for English-language learners
See practice defined for kids
Variants of PRACTICE
prac·tice also prac·tise \ˈprak-təs\
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Origin of PRACTICE
Middle English practisen, from Middle French practiser, from Medieval Latin practizare, alteration of practicare, from practica practice, noun, from Late Latin practice, from Greek praktikē, from feminine of praktikos
First Known Use: 14th century
Rhymes with PRACTICE
2practice
noun
: the activity of doing something again and again in order to become better at it
: a regular occasion at which you practice something
: something that is done often or regularly
Full Definition of PRACTICE
1
a : actual performance or application <ready to carry out in practice what they advocated in principle> b : a repeated or customary action <had this irritating practice> c : the usual way of doing something <local practices> d : the form, manner, and order of conducting legal suits and prosecutions
2
a : systematic exercise for proficiency <practice makes perfect> b : the condition of being proficient through systematic exercise <get in practice>
3
a : the continuous exercise of a profession b : a professional business; especially : one constituting an incorporeal property
See practice defined for English-language learners
Variants of PRACTICE
practice also practise
First Known Use of PRACTICE
15th century
Synonym Discussion of PRACTICE
habit, practice, usage, custom, wont mean a way of acting fixed through repetition. habit implies a doing unconsciously and often compulsively <had a habit of tapping his fingers>. practice suggests an act or method followed with regularity and usually through choice <our practice is to honor all major credit cards>. usage suggests a customary action so generally followed that it has become a social norm <western-style dress is now common usage in international business>. custom applies to a practice or usage so steadily associated with an individual or group as to have almost the force of unwritten law <the custom of wearing black at funerals>. wont usually applies to an habitual manner, method, or practice of an individual or group <as was her wont, she slept until noon>.
PRACTISE Defined for Kids
1practice
verb prac·tice \ˈprak-təs\
prac·ticedprac·tic·ing
Definition of PRACTICE for Kids
1
: to do or work at often so as to learn well or improve <Practice the piano daily.>
2
: to do or perform often or usually <Try to practice good manners.>
3
: to engage in or work at as a profession <practice medicine>
2practice
noun
Definition of PRACTICE for Kids
1
: the act of doing something again and again in order to learn or improve <Ballet takes a lot of practice.>
2
: a regular event at which something is done again and again to increase skill <soccer practice>
3
: actual performance : use <I put his advice into practice.>
4
: a usual way of doing something <It's our practice to rise early.>
5
: continuous work in a profession <the practice of law>
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