Difference Between Practice and Practise – Practice vs Practise

The word Practice, with a “c” and an “s”, is often confused in English. Both the terms differ in their usage and the context in which they are used. One is used as a verb and the other is used as a noun.

Practice vs Practise

Meaning of Practice 

The word practice is used as a noun in British English and as both noun and verb in American English which means the actual application of an idea, a method, or a belief or to perform an activity or task repeatedly.

Usage

It is used to describe what really happens rather than what we think will happen in a particular situation. 

Examples

1. Officially Pharaoh is in charge but in practice, Joseph rule over the Country. ( Here in this example the word practice talks about something in reality )
2. Rajesh doubted whether the plan is going to work in practice or not.
3. It seemed like a good idea, but in practice, it was a disaster.

It is used to describe something which is regularly done, often as a habit, tradition, or custom.

Examples

1. It was his usual practice to drop his Son at his School every morning on the way to his Office.
2. Do you mind if we have a practice session before we start the game?
3. Are you coming to Keyboard practice this evening?

It is used to describe a job or business involving a lot of skill or training.

Examples

1. A Dental / Medical practice.
2. It has been a week since Harsha started his CA practice.
3. Sid has decided to leave the Hospital Service and join a private practice.

Meaning of Practise

The word practice is a verb in British English that means performing an activity or an exercise repeatedly in order to acquire proficiency in it.

Usage

It means to play something regularly or repeatedly in order to become skilled at it.

Examples

1. I am quite good at playing Cricket but I need to practise my serve.
2. Harsha practises his Keyboard every day.
3. Some teachers use different techniques to make the students understand problems in Mathematics to practise on.

It means to work in a professional job for which vigorous training is required.

Examples

1. How long have you been practising as a Charted Accountant?
2. Raj practised Audio Engineering for 10 years.
3. I have practised for more than five years to get a stand as an Intraday trader in the Stock Market.

It is also used when people practise something such as a custom, craft, or religion in which activities they take part in.

Examples

1. He was born and brought up in a family which pratised traditional Judaism.
2. Zero Budget Natural Farming, which is a natural farming technique used for high production and easy pest resistance is in practice in India for 20 years.
3. The country has been among the list of countries which practise multi-party politics.

Practice vs Practise

Word	Part of speech	Definition	Usage	Characteristics
Practice	Noun	The act of doing something regularly  or repeatedly in order to improve or  become proficient; a habit or custom	The doctor’s practice involves  seeing patients every day.	Commonly used in  American English.
Practice	Verb	To perform an activity or task repeatedly  or regularly in order to improve or  become proficient.	She practices the piano for  hours every day.	Commonly used in  American English.
Practise	Noun	A formal or professional activity, such  as a job or occupation.	He opened his own legal  practice last year.	Commonly used in  British English.
Practise	Verb	To carry out a particular activity or job,  often as a profession; to engage in a  particular practice or habit.	She practises law in London.	Commonly used in  British English.

Conclusion

The main difference between the two words is the spelling. In American English, the spelling is the same for both the noun and verb forms (practice). In British English, the noun form is spelled practice, while the verb form is spelled practise. Additionally, the meanings of the words can differ slightly based on the context in which they are used.