Practice vs. Practise: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 17, 2023
In American English, "practice" is used for both noun and verb forms. In British English, "practice" is the noun and "practise" is the verb.
Key Differences
In American English, there isn't a distinction between "practice" and "practise"; both forms denote the noun and verb. However, in British English, this is not the case. "Practice" serves as the noun, implying a routine or repeated action, while "practise" is the verb indicating the act of doing something repeatedly to improve skill.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
"Practice" in American English can be utilized in sentences like, "The doctor opened his practice" or "I have a practice of meditating every morning." In contrast, British English restricts "practice" to noun instances, like the establishment of a doctor or a routine. "Practise", on the other hand, is reserved for verb actions, such as, "I need to practise my piano scales."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
The distinction between "practice" and "practise" in British English is essential for accurate communication. If one were to say, "I have a dental practice," it denotes ownership or association with a dental establishment. But saying, "I practise dentistry," conveys the act of performing dental procedures.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
To summarize, while American English utilizes "practice" for both noun and verb meanings, British English distinguishes the two with "practice" for the noun and "practise" for the verb. This distinction plays a pivotal role in ensuring clarity in British communication.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Usage in UK
Used as a noun (e.g., a medical practice).
Used as a verb (e.g., to practise playing guitar).
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Example (Verb)
"I practice the violin daily." (US usage)
"I practise the violin daily." (UK usage)
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Practice and Practise Definitions
Practice
The exercise of a profession.
He started his medical practice right after graduation.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
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Practise
To carry out or perform a particular action.
They practise caution when traveling.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Practice
A customary or habitual action.
It's good practice to check the oil level in your car regularly.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Practise
To train or drill oneself in preparation for something.
The team will practise tomorrow at 5 pm.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Practice
The regular performance of an activity to improve skill.
She made it a practice to read for an hour every night.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Practise
To engage in religious or spiritual exercises.
He practises meditation daily.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
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Practice
The actual application of an idea.
The theory sounds good, but in practice, it's more complicated.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
Practise
To work at or pursue a particular profession.
He decided to practise law.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Practice
A place where professional services are provided.
She opened her own dental practice.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Practise
To perform an activity or exercise regularly to improve one's proficiency.
She will practise her speech before presenting.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
Practice
To do or perform habitually or customarily; make a habit of
Practices courtesy in social situations.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2015
Practice
To do or perform (something) repeatedly in order to acquire or polish a skill
Practice a dance step.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2015
Practise
(transitive) To repeat (an activity) as a way of improving one's skill in that activity.
You should practise playing piano every day.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2015
FAQs
Is "practise" commonly used in American English?
No, in American English, "practice" is predominantly used for both noun and verb forms.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
How is "practice" used in American English?
In American English, "practice" can be both a noun and a verb.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 17, 2023
How would you use "practise" in a sentence as a verb in British English?
"She needs to practise her guitar chords."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Is there a difference between "practice" and "practise"?
Yes, in British English, "practice" is a noun and "practise" is a verb, but in American English, "practice" is used for both noun and verb forms.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
How would you use "practice" in a sentence as a noun?
"The dental practice was located downtown."
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
What does "practise" mean in British English?
"Practise" is a verb in British English meaning to perform an activity or exercise regularly to improve skill.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Can Americans use "practise" as a verb?
While "practise" exists, Americans predominantly use "practice" for both noun and verb forms.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
In British English, can "practice" be used as a verb?
No, in British English, "practice" is exclusively a noun.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Can you give an example of "practice" as a customary action?
"Wearing seatbelts in cars is a good practice."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
What does "practice" mean in American English?
"Practice" can mean the regular performance of an activity, the exercise of a profession, a customary action, a place of professional service, or the actual application of an idea.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
What is a synonym for "practice" when referring to the exercise of a profession?
"Profession" or "vocation."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
How is "practise" pronounced compared to "practice"?
They're generally pronounced the same, though some might slightly emphasize the "s" sound in "practise."
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
In which English-speaking countries is British English typically used?
Countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa typically use British English forms.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Is "practise" considered incorrect in American English?
It's not inherently incorrect, but it's less common and might be viewed as a British spelling.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Is it essential to distinguish between "practice" and "practise" in writing?
In American English, it's not crucial since "practice" is used for both forms. But in British English, distinguishing between the two is essential for clarity.
Sara Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
How do I know when to use "practice" or "practise" in British English?
Use "practice" as a noun and "practise" as a verb.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 17, 2023
Can "practice" refer to a place?
Yes, like in "doctor's practice" referring to a doctor's office or clinic.
Harlon Moss
Oct 17, 2023
Why is there a difference between British and American English in terms of these words?
Language evolves over time and regions, leading to variations in spelling and usage between British and American English.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Are there other English words with similar variations between American and British English?
Yes, like "advice" (noun) and "advise" (verb) in both forms of English.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 17, 2023
Can I use "practice" as a verb in British English?
No, in British English, you should use "practise" as the verb.
Janet White
Oct 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
