practice

¹prac·tice

verb \ˈprak-təs\

prac·ticed also prac·tisedprac·tic·ing also prac·tis·ing

Definition of PRACTICE

transitive verb

1

a : carry out, apply <practice what you preach> b : to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually <practice politeness> c : to be professionally engaged in <practice medicine>

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

Variants of PRACTICE

prac·tice also prac·tise \ˈprak-təs\

Examples of PRACTICE

1. To be a good musician, you have to practice a lot.
2. Have you been practicing your lines for the play?
3. She had to practice flying in various weather conditions before she could get her pilot's license.
4. Grandmother taught us to practice good manners.
5. Practice what you preach—don't smoke if you tell your children not to smoke.

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

Related to PRACTICE

Synonyms: exercise, rehearse, run over

Related Words: groove, perfect, refine; point (for), prepare (for), train (with); drill, repeat; work (at or on); review, study

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Rhymes with PRACTICE

cactus