Definition

1. Verb:
   • To perform an activity repeatedly to acquire or improve a skill: The core meaning involves doing something regularly to become proficient.
   • To carry out a profession or activity as a regular occupation: To work in a specific field, especially one requiring specialized training.
   • To rehearse or prepare for a performance: To run through something, like a play or piece of music, in preparation for a public presentation.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • She practises the violin for two hours every day to improve her technique.
  • He has been practising law in the city for over a decade.
  • The actors will practise the final scene this afternoon before the dress rehearsal.

Advanced Usage

• "to practise what one preaches": To act in the way one advises others to act.
  • A good leader should practise what they preach to gain the team's respect.
• "practise makes perfect": A common saying meaning that regular repetition is the way to become skilled at something.
  • Don't get discouraged; remember, practise makes perfect.

Variants and Related Words

• Practice (noun): The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theory. Also refers to the repeated exercise in an activity.
  • The concept sounds simple in theory, but it's difficult in practice.
  • Daily practice is essential for an athlete.
• Practised (adjective): Skilled or proficient as a result of repeated exercise.
  • She gave a practised and confident presentation.

Synonyms

• Train: To undergo instruction and exercise to reach a desired standard.
• Rehearse: To practise (a play, piece of music, or other material) for later public performance.
• Exercise: To engage in activity to develop or maintain a skill.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Practise on/upon (archaic): To take advantage of someone's trust or naivety; to deceive.
  • The con artist practised upon the elderly man's generosity. (Note: This usage is now rare and formal.)

Related Idioms

• Practise safe sex: To engage in sexual activity while taking precautions to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy.
  • It is important for young adults to be educated and to practise safe sex.
• Practise tolerance: To make a conscious effort to be accepting of opinions, beliefs, or practices different from one's own.
  • In a diverse society, we must all practise tolerance.

Verb

1. learn by repetition
   • We drilled French verbs every day
   • Pianists practice scales
2. carry out or practice; as of jobs and professions
   • practice law
3. engage in a rehearsal (of)