Practice vs practise
Practice is the noun everywhere, and in American English it is the verb too. Practise is the British spelling of the verb only, so never use it for the noun.
The s spelling, practise, is only ever a verb. The noun is always practice with a c.
practice noun
Doing something again and again to get better at it, a planned session where a group does this, or a usual way of doing things.
- Hours of practice made the gymnastics routine look effortless.
- Band practice runs from four to six every Thursday.
practise verb
To do something again and again to get better at it, or to work in a profession such as law or medicine.
- You should practise your free throws before the championship game.
- He hopes to practise law once he passes the bar exam.
Watch out
- Practice and practise sound exactly the same, so the difference only shows in writing.
- A doctor's or lawyer's office is also a practice. That is a noun, so it always takes the c.He sold his veterinary practice when he retired.
- Each spelling keeps its letter in the other forms of the verb: practiced and practicing, or practised and practising.The team practised all afternoon yesterday and is practising again this morning.
Test yourself
Soccer blank is canceled because of the rain.
Show answer
practice. This is the noun, the planned session. Practise is never a noun.
She will blank the piano for an hour tonight.
Show answer
Either. This is the verb. Americans write practice, British writers practise.
Tipping servers is standard blank in many restaurants.
Show answer
practice. This is the noun, meaning a usual habit or routine.
Doctors must pass exams before they can blank medicine.
Show answer
Either. This is the verb for working in a profession, so practice in American English, practise in British English.
Full entries: practicepractise