Practice
/ˈpræktɪs/
Definitions
6 meaningsThe customary or habitual performance of an activity or process.
/ˈpræktɪs/
The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories about it.
Regular practice is essential for improving your skills.
💡 Simply: Practice is like doing something over and over to get better at it. Like, when you practice a sport, you play it a lot so you can get really good.
👶 For kids: Doing something again and again to get better.
More Examples
The new policy represents a change in the company's practice.
She established a private practice as a doctor.
How It's Used
"The practice of yoga is beneficial for both body and mind."
"Best practice in project management suggests frequent communication."
Repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency.
/ˈpræktɪs/
The action of performing an activity or skill repeatedly so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it.
The band has practice every Tuesday.
💡 Simply: Practice is when you do something over and over to get better at it. Like when you practice a song on the piano, you play it many times.
👶 For kids: Trying again and again to get good at something.
More Examples
He needed more practice to improve his golf swing.
Practice makes perfect.
How It's Used
"The team held a practice before the big game."
"She spent hours in practice to master the piece."
A business or profession, especially medicine or law.
/ˈpræktɪs/
The professional business of a doctor, lawyer, etc.
He has a thriving law practice.
💡 Simply: A practice can also be a business, like a doctor or lawyer's business, where they help people.
👶 For kids: A job like being a doctor or a lawyer.
More Examples
She runs a family practice in the suburbs.
The doctor sold their practice before retirement.
How It's Used
"She runs a successful medical practice."
"He established his own law practice."
To perform or engage in repeatedly to acquire or maintain proficiency.
/ˈpræktɪs/
Perform (an activity) or exercise (a skill) repeatedly or regularly in order to improve or maintain one's proficiency.
She practices the piano every evening.
💡 Simply: When you practice something, you do it again and again to get better. Like practicing a song, or practicing a sport.
👶 For kids: To do something again and again to get better.
More Examples
The team practices every Tuesday and Thursday.
He needs to practice his presentation more.
How It's Used
"She practices her free throws every day."
"The pianist practiced the piece for hours."
To do or perform regularly, as a custom or method.
/ˈpræktɪs/
Carry out or perform (a particular activity, method, or custom) habitually or regularly.
They practice the art of meditation daily.
💡 Simply: When you practice something as a verb, it means you're doing something regularly. Like, "I practice playing soccer" means you play it often.
👶 For kids: To do something regularly or often.
More Examples
The company practices ethical business standards.
He practices what he preaches.
How It's Used
"They practice sustainable farming methods."
"She practices her faith diligently."
To pursue a professional occupation
/ˈpræktɪs/
Work at a profession or occupation
He practices law at a prestigious firm.
💡 Simply: When a doctor practices medicine, they are a doctor at a clinic.
👶 For kids: To work as a doctor or lawyer.
More Examples
She practices medicine in a rural area.
The architect practiced in Europe before moving to Asia.
How It's Used
"She practices law in New York."
"He practices medicine in a rural area."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Practice makes perfect.
Repetition of an activity makes one better at it.
"She keeps practicing the piano, remembering that practice makes perfect."
In practice
In reality; as actually done or carried out.
"The theory sounds good, but in practice it's very difficult."
From Middle English practisen, from Old French practiser, from Late Latin practicare, from Greek praktikos ('practical'), from prassein ('to do').
The word 'practice' has been used since the 14th century, originally derived from Old French.
Memory tip
Think of 'practice' as 'doing' something to get better.
Word Origin
"to do"