/ ˈpræktɪs; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
ACTION NOT IDEAS
1.
[ U ] action rather than ideas :
the theory and practice of teaching
She's determined to put her new ideas into practice .
WAY OF DOING STH
2.
[ U , C ] a way of doing sth that is the usual or expected way in a particular organization or situation :
common / current / standard practice
guidelines for good practice
a review of pay and working practices
religious practices
—see also best practice , code of practice , restrictive practices , sharp practice
HABIT / CUSTOM
3.
[ C ] a thing that is done regularly; a habit or a custom :
the German practice of giving workers a say in how their company is run
It is his practice to read several books a week.
FOR IMPROVING SKILL
4.
[ U , C ] doing an activity or training regularly so that you can improve your skill; the time you spend doing this :
conversation practice
It takes a lot of practice to play the violin well.
There's a basketball practice every Friday evening.
She does an hour's piano practice every day.
—see also teaching practice
OF DOCTOR / LAWYER
5.
[ U , C ] the work or the business of some professional people such as doctors, dentists and lawyers; the place where they work :
the practice of medicine
Students should have prior experience of veterinary practice.
My solicitor is no longer in practice.
a successful medical / dental / law practice
—see also general practice , group practice , private practice
•
IDIOMS
- in practice
- be / get / out of practice
- practice makes perfect
■ verb
( NAmE ) = practise :
to practice the piano every day
The team is practicing for their big game on Friday.
They practiced the dance until it was perfect.
She's practicing medicine in Philadelphia.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from practise , on the pattern of pairs such as advise , advice .