Practice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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practice

[หˆpraktษชs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

daily routine

Repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it.

Synonyms

drill, rehearsal, training.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
practice

Used when someone repeatedly performs an activity to improve their skill or maintain proficiency in that activity.

  • She needs more practice to perfect her piano playing.
  • Daily practice is essential for language acquisition.
training

Usually refers to a structured program designed to develop specific skills or knowledge, often in a professional or sports context.

  • New employees undergo training to familiarize themselves with the company's procedures.
  • The athlete is in training for the upcoming marathon.
rehearsal

Typically used in the context of performing arts, like theater, dance, or music, where performers practise before the actual performance.

  • The cast had a dress rehearsal before the opening night.
  • The band had their final rehearsal for the concert.
drill

Often used in a military or educational setting, involving repetitive exercises to instill discipline or specific skills.

  • The soldiers went through a tough drill to prepare for the mission.
  • The teacher organized a fire drill to ensure the students knew what to do in an emergency.

Examples of usage

  • She put her theories into practice by running workshops.
  • Regular practice will make you a better musician.
Context #2 | Noun

legal profession

The business or profession of the law.

Synonyms

occupation, profession, vocation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
practice

Use 'practice' to describe an activity or exercise done repeatedly to improve a skill, or the work of a professional such as a doctor or lawyer.

  • You need to practice your piano skills every day.
  • She has a private practice in family law.
profession

Use 'profession' specifically for jobs that require special education, training, or skills, and typically involves a formal qualification.

  • Medicine is a highly respected profession.
  • He is studying to enter the legal profession.
occupation

Use 'occupation' to describe a person's job or the way they spend their time, typically formal or official contexts.

  • Her occupation as a teacher keeps her busy.
  • Please state your occupation on this form.
vocation

Use 'vocation' to describe a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation, often with a sense of mission or dedication.

  • She believes teaching is her true vocation.
  • He felt a vocation for social work.

Examples of usage

  • He was struck off the roll of solicitors and barred from practice.
  • She has been in practice for over 20 years.
Context #3 | Verb

repeatedly perform an activity

Perform (an activity) or exercise (a skill) repeatedly or regularly in order to improve or maintain one's proficiency.

Synonyms

exercise, rehearse, train.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
practice

General activity to improve a skill. Used for activities like sports, music, or daily routines.

  • She practices the piano every day
  • It's important to practice speaking a new language
train

Focused practice to develop skills, often involving a coach or structured program, particularly in sports, professions, or technical skills.

  • He trains with his coach three times a week
  • They are training for the upcoming marathon
exercise

Physical activities to improve fitness, health, or skills, often involving specific routines or movements.

  • I do exercises every morning to stay fit
  • These exercises will help strengthen your muscles
rehearse

To practice something, especially a performance like a play, music, or dance, before the actual event.

  • The actors are rehearsing their lines for the play
  • We need to rehearse the dance routine before the show

Examples of usage

  • She practiced the piano every day to improve her skills.
  • He practiced his English by speaking with native speakers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • Regular practice is essential in education, as studies show it significantly enhances retention and understanding.
  • Educational methods like 'deliberate practice' emphasize focused effort to improve skills, not mere repetition.
  • Many educational curriculums incorporate practice sessions to help students mentally structure and apply new knowledge.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that the brain strengthens connections through practice, making repeated actions easier over time.
  • The '10,000-hour rule', popularized by Malcolm Gladwell, posits that extensive practice leads to mastery in any field.
  • Visualization techniques in cognitive psychology have shown that mental practice can enhance physical performance.

Music

  • Musicians often emphasize the importance of consistent practice, with famous composers like Mozart starting from a young age.
  • Practice routines in music involve scales and pieces, encouraging gradual mastery of challenging works.
  • The concept of 'muscle memory' demonstrates how repetitive practice helps musicians play notes effortlessly over time.

Sports

  • Athletes dedicate hours to practice to refine techniques and ensure physical readiness for competitions.
  • Sports psychologists advise on mental practice to visualize successful performances alongside physical training.
  • The practice of drills in team sports is crucial to improve coordination and team strategy.

Origin of 'practice'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'practice' comes from the Latin word 'practica', meaning 'doing' or 'action'.
  • In Old French, the term 'practique' meant 'to do', which influenced the English usage.
  • The transition from 'practice' as a noun to its use as a verb reflects our focus on action in education.

The word 'practice' originated from the Middle English 'practise', from Old French practiser, from practique, from Late Latin practicus, from Greek praktikos, from prassein 'to do'. The term has been in use for centuries, evolving to encompass various meanings related to exercise, performance, and profession.


Word Frequency Rank

With position #442, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.