Practicing

/ˈpræktɪsɪŋ/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To do something repeatedly to improve your skill or prepare for something.

/ˈpræktɪsɪŋ/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To perform an activity or exercise repeatedly to acquire or maintain skill.

The students are practicing their presentation before the big day.

💡 Simply: Practicing is like when you repeat something again and again to get better at it. For example, if you want to become a great soccer player, you need to practice kicking the ball many times.

👶 For kids: Practicing means doing something over and over again to get better at it, like practicing your ABCs!

More Examples

2

She enjoys practicing her yoga routine early in the morning.

3

He's been practicing the guitar for an hour every day.

4

The athletes are practicing diligently for the competition.

How It's Used

Sports

"The team is practicing for the upcoming championship."

Music

"She's practicing the piano every afternoon."

General

"He is practicing his English skills."

2

To engage in a profession or to follow a set of principles or beliefs.

/ˈpræktɪsɪŋ/

verbneutralmedium
Medical

To follow or apply a system or theory.

She has been practicing law for over twenty years.

💡 Simply: Practicing can also mean doing the job you trained for or following a set of beliefs. For example, a doctor practices medicine, and someone might practice their religion every day.

👶 For kids: Practicing can also be like doing your job or following rules, like a doctor practices medicine!

More Examples

2

He practices medicine in a small clinic.

3

They practice ethical behavior in their business dealings.

4

The company is practicing sustainable farming methods.

How It's Used

Law

"He is practicing law in New York."

Medicine

"She is practicing medicine in the rural area."

Religion

"They are practicing their faith daily."

Tip:Think of 'putting into practice' – applying your knowledge or beliefs.

From Middle English practisen, from Old French practiser, from Medieval Latin practicare (“to practice, perform”), from Latin practicus (“practical”), from Ancient Greek πρακτικός (praktikós, “practical, active”), from πράσσω (prássō, “to do, to act, to perform”).

The verb 'practicing' has been used since the late 14th century, evolving from its Old French and Latin roots, initially to signify 'to put into practice' and later, 'to exercise a skill'.

Memory tip

Think of 'practice makes perfect.' Practice is the key to mastery.

practicingpractiseing

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written