Practice

/ˈpræk.tɪs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The act of carrying out or performing a particular activity or skill repeatedly to improve proficiency.
She needs to get more practice if she wants to master the piano.
The customary, habitual, or expected procedure or way of doing something.
It is common practice to wash your hands before a meal.
A professional or business activity, especially in fields like law or medicine.
He opened a dental practice after graduating from dental school.
verb
To do something repeatedly or regularly in order to improve proficiency.
You should practice your speech several times before the presentation.
To engage in a profession, typically one that requires special training, such as law or medicine.
After completing her residency, she began to practice medicine.

Etymology

From Middle English pratic, from Old French pratique, from Latin practica, from Greek praktikos 'practical'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

practice makes perfect
Repetition of an activity improves skill.
practice what you preach
Act in accordance with what you advocate.
a matter of practice
An issue resolved through habitual actions.

Related Words

practical
Relating to actual doing or use.
practitioner
A person actively engaged in an activity or profession.
practiced
Having acquired skill through experience.

Slang Meanings

To rehearse or repeat an activity informally.
I'm just practicing my dance moves for the party.
To work towards improving at something.
He's been practicing hard for the upcoming game.