Variant: also prac · tise
Pronunciation: ' prak-t ə s
Function: verb
Inflected Form: prac · ticed also prac · tised ; prac · tic · ing also prac · tis · ing
Etymology: Middle English practisen, from Middle French practiser, from Medieval Latin practizare, alteration of practicare, from practica practice, noun, from Late Latin practice, from Greek praktik ē , from feminine of praktikos
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 a : CARRY OUT , APPLY < practice what you preach> b : to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually < practice politeness> c : to be professionally engaged in < practice medicine>
2 a : to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient < practice the act> b : to train by repeated exercises < practice pupils in penmanship>
3 obsolete : PLOT
intransitive verb
1 : to do repeated exercises for proficiency
2 : to pursue a profession actively
3 archaic : INTRIGUE
4 : to do something customarily
5 : to take advantage of someone <he practised on their credulity with huge success ― Times Lit. Supp. >
– prac · tic · er noun