Practise: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
Practise – Definition and Part of Speech
The word practise (British English) or practice (American English) functions primarily as a verb. It refers to the act of engaging in an activity repeatedly or regularly to improve one’s skill at it or to prepare for something. The noun forms are “practice” (in both American and British English), referring to the application or use of an idea, belief, or method, especially by a group or profession.
Core Synonyms
Here is a list of synonyms for practise, along with their nuances and example sentences:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehearse | Often used specifically in the context of preparing for performances or presentations. | “The actors had to rehearse their lines diligently.” | Formal/Performance-focused |
| Drill | Implies repetitive practice, often with a focus on precision and efficiency. | “Firefighters drill regularly to be prepared for emergencies.” | Business/Formal |
| Hone | Suggests refining or perfecting an existing skill. | “She hones her public speaking skills by attending workshops.” | Academic/Informal |
| Train | Emphasizes systematic instruction, often used in the context of learning a new skill. | “The coach will train them for the upcoming tournament.” | Business/Academic |
| Exercise | Often involves physical activity or mental practice; implies improvement through use. | “To maintain his health, he exercises every morning.” | Casual/Health-related |
Usage Notes
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Rehearse: Best used when discussing preparation for performances like plays, speeches, or musical pieces. It’s common in formal contexts related to the arts and presentations.
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Drill: This synonym is ideal for military, emergency services, or any scenario requiring repeated practice of a specific task, emphasizing readiness and precision.
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Hone: Use this term when focusing on improving an existing skill through deliberate practice, making it suitable for academic essays or self-improvement contexts.
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Train: Appropriate in business and educational settings where formal instruction is involved. It implies a structured approach to learning new skills.
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Exercise: Commonly used in both physical fitness contexts (casual) and mental agility practices (academic), emphasizing regular improvement through practice.
Common Pitfalls
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Confusing practise with its noun form, practice, especially between British and American English. In British English, “practice” is the noun, while “practise” is the verb.
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Misapplying synonyms: For example, using rehearse in contexts unrelated to performances or presentations might confuse readers, as it specifically pertains to those scenarios.
Final Recap
In summary, practise and its synonyms like rehearse, drill, hone, train, and exercise offer varied nuances for describing the process of repetition aimed at improving a skill. While they overlap in meaning, their specific connotations make them suitable for different contexts:
- Use rehearse for artistic or performance preparation.
- Opt for drill when referring to precise, repetitive practice focused on efficiency and readiness.
- Choose hone for refining and perfecting an existing ability.
- Select train in scenarios involving structured learning and skill acquisition.
- Go with exercise in contexts that involve physical activity or mental engagement for improvement.
To enhance your vocabulary, try using these synonyms in different sentences and practice incorporating them into your speech. This will help deepen your understanding of their specific applications and nuances.