practice
practice
Pronunciation
/ˈpræktɪs/
prac- /præk/
/p/ - voiceless bilabial plosive
/r/ - voiced alveolar approximant
/æ/ - near-open front unrounded vowel
/k/ - voiceless velar plosive
-tice /tɪs/
/t/ - voiceless alveolar plosive
/ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
I. Noun Forms:
Singular: practice (e.g., "I have a violin practice tonight.")
Plural: practices (e.g., "They have several good business practices.")
II. Verb Forms:
Base Form/Infinitive: practice (e.g., "You should practice every day.")
Third-person singular present: practices (e.g., "He practices the piano every morning.")
Past Simple: practiced (e.g., "She practiced for hours yesterday.")
Past Participle: practiced (e.g., "They have practiced this song many times.")
Present Participle/Gerund: practicing (e.g., "He is practicing his lines for the play." or "Practicing regularly is important.")
III. Adjective Forms (derived from "practice"):
Practiced (US English) / Practised (UK English): This adjective means expert or skilled as a result of much experience.
(e.g., "He has a practiced eye for detail.")
Practicing (US English) / Practising (UK English): This adjective often describes someone who is actively engaged in a profession or activity.
(e.g., "She is a practicing lawyer.")
IV. Adverb Forms (related to "practice"):
While there isn't a direct "-ly" adverb from "practice" in the same way as "quickly" from "quick," we use phrases or related words:
In practice: Meaning "in reality" or "what actually occurs," as opposed to theory.
(e.g., "In theory, it's a great idea, but in practice, it's difficult to implement.")
Practically: This is a related adverb, meaning "almost," "virtually," or "in a practical sense." It doesn't directly mean "in a manner of practice," but it often relates to the practical application of something.
(e.g., "The project is practically finished.")
Practicably: Meaning "in a practicable manner," or "feasibly."
(e.g., "The plan cannot practicably be implemented.")
Practicedly / Practisedly: Meaning "in a practiced manner" or "expertly." This is less common but exists.
(e.g., "He played the piece practicedly.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
I. As a Noun
A customary way of doing something; a routine or established method.
Definition: A recurrent or habitual action, procedure, or system that is commonly followed, often within a particular group, profession, or culture. It refers to the established norm or accepted approach.
Synonyms: custom, habit, routine, tradition, convention, procedure, method, usage, wont, modus operandi
Antonyms: deviation, exception, anomaly, novelty, innovation, break (from routine)
Repeated exercise or application of a skill or activity to acquire or improve proficiency.
Definition: The act of regularly performing a skill, task, or activity with the specific goal of enhancing one's ability, speed, or accuracy. It implies deliberate and often structured repetition for mastery.
Synonyms: drill, training, exercise, rehearsal, repetition, coaching, workout, refinement, schooling, conditioning
Antonyms: neglect, avoidance, disuse, idleness, theoretical (as opposed to practical application)
The actual application or implementation of an idea, theory, or belief.
Definition: The putting into action of knowledge, principles, or concepts; the real-world execution of something conceived in theory. It contrasts with purely theoretical understanding.
Synonyms: application, implementation, execution, operation, utilization, enactment, performance, actualization
Antonyms: theory, concept, idea, hypothesis, speculation, abstraction
The business or professional work of a doctor, lawyer, or other professional.
Definition: The exercise of a learned profession, typically referring to the establishment or ongoing operation of a professional service or business, such as a medical or legal firm.
Synonyms: profession, business, firm, office, clinic, chambers (for lawyers), consultancy
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; refers to a type of enterprise)
II. As a Verb
To perform an activity or skill repeatedly in order to improve or maintain proficiency.
Definition: To engage in regular or systematic exercises, drills, or repetitions of a particular skill or activity, with the aim of becoming more expert or maintaining one's level of competence.
Synonyms: drill, rehearse, train, exercise, hone, perfect, repeat, refine, study, work (at/on)
Antonyms: neglect, abandon, avoid, forget, discontinue, cease
To carry out, perform, or put into effect (an action, theory, or belief).
Definition: To apply or execute something; to act upon a principle, theory, or custom. It means to translate an idea or intention into concrete action.
Synonyms: implement, execute, apply, perform, observe, follow, carry out, enact, employ, utilize
Antonyms: ignore, disregard, neglect, abandon, theorize (without acting), preach (without acting)
To work at or pursue (a profession or occupation).
Definition: To actively engage in a particular profession or occupation, often implying a regular and ongoing commitment to that line of work.
Synonyms: pursue, work (as/at), ply, engage in, carry on, specialize in
Antonyms: retire, quit, leave (a profession), abandon (a career)
III. As an Adjective
Practiced (US English) / Practised (UK English): Skilled or expert as a result of extensive experience or training.
Definition: Having developed a high level of proficiency, ease, or finesse in a particular skill or task due to consistent and prolonged application or training.
Synonyms: skilled, expert, accomplished, proficient, adept, seasoned, veteran, polished, masterly, adroit
Antonyms: unskilled, inexperienced, novice, amateur, clumsy, unpracticed, inept
Practicing (US English) / Practising (UK English): Actively engaged in a profession or an activity.
Definition: Currently working in a specified profession, or regularly participating in a particular activity or belief.
Synonyms: active, working, engaged, professional, operational, devout (for religion)
Antonyms: retired, former, inactive, theoretical (for a profession), lapsed (for a belief)
IV. As an Adverb (Derived Forms)
Practically:
Definition 1 (Almost/Nearly): Very nearly; almost entirely. Used to convey that something is true in nearly every respect, or virtually complete.
Synonyms: almost, virtually, nearly, essentially, effectively, largely, for all intents and purposes
Antonyms: completely, fully, entirely, absolutely, precisely, exactly
Definition 2 (In a practical manner): In a way that is realistic, sensible, or useful; in terms of what can actually be done.
Synonyms: realistically, sensibly, effectively, functionally, pragmatically, feasibly, viably
Antonyms: theoretically, idealistically, impractical, unfeasibly, unrealistically, hypothetically
Practicably:
Definition: In a manner that is capable of being done or put into practice; feasibly.
Synonyms: feasibly, viably, attainably, realistically, manageably, accomplishably
Antonyms: impractically, unfeasibly, impossibly, unrealistically, unworkably
Examples of Use
Books:
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do." (Pelé, My Life and the Beautiful Game, October 1977) - This quote implicitly refers to the practice involved in achieving mastery in a sport.
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." (Yogi Berra, The Yogi Book: I Really Didn't Say Everything I Said!, October 1998) - This highlights the noun forms "theory" and "practice" as contrasting concepts.
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, January 1813) - While not using the word "practice," the novel explores the social practices and conventions of marriage in that era.
Newspapers:
"The hospital adopted new best practices for patient safety after a series of incidents." (The New York Times) - Here, "practices" is a plural noun referring to established methods.
"Liverpool FC's manager emphasized the importance of daily practice sessions for team cohesion." (The Guardian) - "Practice" as a singular noun referring to training.
"The firm practiced law in the city for over fifty years before merging with a larger firm." (The Wall Street Journal) - "Practiced" as a verb in the past tense, referring to carrying out a profession.
Online Publications:
"Mindfulness meditation is a practice that can reduce stress and improve focus." (Healthline.com) - "Practice" as a noun for a habitual activity.
"Many developers are now practicing agile methodologies to improve workflow efficiency." (TechCrunch.com) - "Practicing" as a present participle verb, referring to applying a method.
"The article discusses the ethical practices involved in artificial intelligence development." (MIT Technology Review) - "Practices" as a plural noun referring to customs or methods.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Music (Song Title/Lyric): "All you need is love... All you need is love, love. Love is all you need." (The Beatles, "All You Need Is Love," July 1967) - While not using the word, the consistent output of music is a form of practice for musicians.
Film: In the movie Whiplash (October 2014), the intense drum practice sessions are central to the plot, showing the dedication required for mastery. (Implied, as the film is about musical training.)
Television Series: "This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life." (Stanley Kubrick, Full Metal Jacket, June 1987) - The practice of military drill and discipline is a core theme.
Video Games: Many rhythm games, like Guitar Hero or Beat Saber, require players to practice timing and button presses to improve their scores. (Common user experience in gaming.)
Podcasts: "On today's episode, we explore the best business practices for remote teams." (From a hypothetical business podcast) - "Practices" as a plural noun, referring to methods.
General Public Discourse:
"I need to get some more practice in before the tennis tournament next month." (Spoken conversation) - "Practice" as a singular noun for training.
"It's important to practice what you preach." (Common idiom, timeless) - "Practice" as a verb, meaning to act in accordance with one's stated beliefs.
"Her piano playing is so practiced now; she makes it look effortless." (Spoken conversation) - "Practiced" as an adjective, describing skill derived from experience.
"The new company policy is good in theory, but I wonder how it will work in practice." (Spoken conversation) - "Practice" as a noun, contrasting with "theory."
10 Quotes Using Practice
"Practice makes perfect." (Common Proverb)
"In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is." (Yogi Berra)
"An ounce of practice is worth a pound of preaching." (Mahatma Gandhi)
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a practice." (Will Durant, paraphrasing Aristotle)
"Don't practice until you get it right. Practice until you can't get it wrong." (Unknown/Attributed to various coaches and musicians)
"By practice comes knowledge." (African Proverb)
"When you are in any contest, you should work as if there were — to the very last minute — a chance to lose it. This is the practice of sport." (W. C. Heinz, The Professional, 1958)
"No amount of regretting can change the past, and no amount of worrying can change the future. Practice this truth and find peace." (Unknown)
"You don't just sit there and hope good things happen. You have to practice and make them happen." (Unknown/Attributed to various athletes)
"The practice of love is a much harder practice than the practice of hate." (bell hooks, All About Love: New Visions, 2000)
Etymology
The word "practice" has a journey through languages that goes all the way back to ancient Greek!
Imagine a Greek word, praktikos, which meant "practical" or "concerned with action." This word was about doing things, not just thinking about them.
From Greek, it moved into Late Latin as practicus, still holding that meaning of being practical or active. Then, in Medieval Latin, it evolved into practicare, which meant "to do, to perform, or to practice."
Next, it traveled to Old French as pratiser or practiser. This is where we start to see the word getting closer to its modern English form and meaning.
Finally, in the early 15th century (the 1400s), "practice" arrived in English. Its very first known use as a noun referred to the "practical aspect or application" of something, especially in fields like medicine or alchemy. So, it was about putting knowledge into action, rather than just having the theory.
Soon after, in the same century, it also started being used as a verb, meaning "to do" or "to put into action." The idea of repeating an activity to get better at it (like practicing an instrument) also developed around this time.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Practice
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "practice":
Practice makes perfect: Repeated effort leads to mastery.
To put into practice: To implement an idea, theory, or plan.
Practice what you preach: To act according to the advice you give others.
In practice: In reality or actual application, often contrasting with theory.
Out of practice: Having lost skill due to a lack of recent engagement in an activity.
Common practice: A generally accepted or customary way of doing things.
Best practices: Optimal procedures or methods for achieving a desired outcome.
To make a practice of (doing something): To habitually or regularly do something.
The usual practice: The typical or established routine.
A roaring trade/practice: A very successful and busy business or professional office (often used for doctors or lawyers).
Doctor's practice / Legal practice: A professional office or business of a doctor or lawyer.
To be in practice: To be currently working in a specific profession.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of practice from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
