Practice vs Practise
Practice and practise are the similar words with slightly different spelling and usage. The big difference between the two words is the British versus American usage. Practice is used in both British and American spelling as a noun meaning “repeated exercise.” In American spelling, practice is also used as a verb meaning “to perform repeated exercise.” Practise, on the other hand, is the British spelling of the verb.
Here are some definitions and examples to help clarify the meaning of these words.
Practice (noun)
Repeated exercise
Examples:
The coach always says “practice makes perfect.”
It was her practice to ignore bad advice.
In the first example, practice is used as a noun to mean “repeated exercise.” As you can see from the second example, practice can mean physical exercise of some sort of skill, but it can also mean a habitual behavior, such as ignoring bad advice.
Practice/Practise (verb, American/British)
To perform repeated exercise
Examples:
She practiced the piano every day. (American)
He tried to practise patience when working with children. (British)
Note that in both examples, practise is used as a verb. It can mean the physical exercise of some sort of skill or a behavior practiced over time, such as having patience. However, as the definition described, practise is used only in British English.
Main Points
- Practice is used in both British and American spelling as a noun meaning “repeated exercise.”
- In American spelling, practice is also used as a verb meaning “to perform repeated exercise.”
- Practise is the British spelling of the verb.