Noun B1 — Intermediate /ˈpræktɪs/

Practice — Definition, Examples & Pronunciation

Repeated exercise that builds skill — the foundation of every kind of learning.

Quick Definition

Practice (noun) is the repeated performance of an activity to develop or maintain skill. It also means a usual or customary way of doing something, or a professional business (e.g. a medical practice).

What Does Practice Mean?

Practice comes from Medieval Latin practica and Greek praktike (practical work). In modern English it covers three core meanings: (1) repeated exercise to improve — "daily grammar practice"; (2) a habit or custom — "it is standard practice"; and (3) a professional firm — "a law practice".

One of the most important distinctions for British English learners is the noun/verb split: practice is the noun, practise is the verb. American English uses practice for both. A simple test: if you can replace the word with "preparation", you need the noun spelling (practice).

In ESL contexts, practice is essential vocabulary for discussing learning methods, routines, and professional life. Collocations include: best practice, put into practice, in practice, out of practice, and practice makes perfect.

Word in Use

SentenceUsage note
Daily practice is the fastest way to improve your speaking.practice = repeated exercise
It is common practice to send a thank-you email after an interview.practice = established custom
She runs a busy dental practice in the city centre.practice = professional business

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

I need to practice my English every day. (British English — verb needs practise)

I need to practise my English every day. (British English — verb form)

She did a lot of practices before the exam.

She did a lot of practice before the exam. (uncountable when meaning exercise in general)

Related Words

skill improve learn rehearsal training routine

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Frequently Asked Questions about “practice”

What does practice mean in English?
Practice (noun) means repeated exercise done to improve a skill: 'Piano practice every day made her excellent.' It also means a habitual action or professional business: 'It is common practice to shake hands' or 'a dental practice'. Context tells you which meaning applies.
What is the difference between practice and practise?
In British English, practice is the noun and practise is the verb: 'I need more practice' (noun) vs 'I must practise every day' (verb). In American English, practice is used for both the noun and the verb, so this distinction applies mainly to British/Australian/international English learners.
How do you use practice in a sentence?
Use practice as a noun: 'Regular practice is the key to fluency.' You can say 'in practice' (in reality), 'put into practice' (apply), or 'out of practice' (no longer skilled). Avoid saying 'do practice' — instead say 'do some practice' or simply 'practise'.
What is the CEFR level of practice?
Practice is a B1 (Intermediate) word in the CEFR framework. It appears frequently in educational, professional, and everyday contexts, making it essential vocabulary for intermediate English learners aiming for the B2 level and beyond.
What are synonyms for practice?
Synonyms include: rehearsal (for performance), training (for sport or skill), exercise (for routine activity), drill (for repetitive technique), preparation (general), custom (for habitual behaviour), and convention (for established norms).
How do you pronounce practice?
Practice is pronounced /ˈpræktɪs/. The stress falls on the first syllable: PRAC-tis. The 'a' in the first syllable sounds like the 'a' in 'cat'. Many learners mispronounce it as 'prack-TEES' — the second syllable should be short and unstressed.
What is the verb form of practice?
The verb form is practise (British English) or practice (American English): 'She practises the violin for two hours each day.' The past tense is practised/practiced, and the -ing form is practising/practicing. The noun form practice does not change in this way.
Can practice be used as an adjective?
Practice is not normally used as an adjective, but it can modify nouns as a noun adjunct: a practice run, a practice session, a practice test. In these cases practice describes the purpose or type of the activity. The adjective form would be 'practical' (relating to practice or real-world use).
What does put into practice mean?
'Put into practice' means to apply an idea, plan, or skill in a real situation: 'After the training course, she put her new skills into practice.' It contrasts with theory — you have learned something and are now using it. A similar phrase is 'in practice' (= in reality, as opposed to in theory).
How can I practise the word practice on LexFizz?
Use LexFizz's Flash Cards to test your recall of practice and related words. The Wordsearch exercise helps you recognise the spelling, and the Vocabulary Quiz checks meaning in context. Consistent daily practice — fittingly — is the fastest route to vocabulary retention.