Practised Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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practised

[หˆprรฆktษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Practised is the past tense of the verb 'practice', meaning to have performed an activity repeatedly to improve proficiency. It implies an action that has been completed in the past.

Synonyms

exercised, rehearsed, trained.

Examples of usage

  • She practised piano for hours yesterday.
  • He practised his speech before the presentation.
  • They practised their soccer drills regularly.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Education

  • Skill mastery often requires thousands of hours of deliberate practice according to educational research.
  • The 10,000-hour rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell, suggests that anyone can become an expert at something with consistent practice.
  • Sports and performing arts heavily emphasize practicing as a way to enhance performance and build confidence.

Psychology

  • Repetitive practice can strengthen neural connections in the brain, making tasks easier over time.
  • The concept of ' muscle memory' occurs through practiced movements, making physical skills more automatic.
  • Psychologists emphasize that the journey of practice can lead to increased self-esteem as individuals see their own progress.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'practice makes perfect' is a commonly heard saying in movies and music that encourages dedication to a craft.
  • In the performing world, many famous musicians and actors are known for their rigorous practice routines before shows.
  • Reality TV talent shows often highlight contestants practicing their skills in preparation for performances.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often face challenges that require them to practice a skill to overcome obstacles, showcasing growth.
  • Classic tales like 'The Tortoise and the Hare' emphasize the message that consistent practice leads to success.
  • Many authors, including Stephen King, advocate for regular writing practice as a way to hone one's craft.

Origin of 'practised'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old French 'practiser' and Latin 'practicare', meaning to do something repeatedly.
  • Historically, 'practised' was often spelled with 'c' in British English, while 'practiced' is the common form in American English.
  • In Middle English, the term was closely related to medical practice, where physicians would 'practice' skills on patients.

The word 'practised' is derived from the Old French 'practiquer', which comes from the Latin 'practicare', meaning 'to do' or 'to act'. This Latin root itself is based on 'practicus', which translates to 'practical' or 'active'. Over centuries, the meaning evolved, emphasizing the action of honing skills through repetition. In English, 'practice' (noun) refers to the repeated exercise of an activity, whereas 'practise' (verb) denotes the act of doing something repeatedly to improve. The distinction between 'practice' and 'practise' is primarily a British English convention, where 'practice' serves as the noun form, and 'practise' is the verb form, while in American English, 'practice' is used for both. This development highlights the importance of continuous learning and skill development in various fields.


Word Frequency Rank

At #6,685 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.