practice
UK[ˈpræktɪs]US[ˈpræktɪs]
n
The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories about it.
n
The customary, habitual, or expected procedure or way of doing something.
n
Repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it.
v
To perform (an activity) or exercise (a skill) repeatedly or regularly in order to improve or maintain one's proficiency.
v
To carry out or perform (a particular activity, method, or custom) habitually or regularly.
Morpheme Breakdown
pract
ice
pract
do, act
ice
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'practice' originates from the Greek verb prassein, meaning 'to do, to act, or to achieve.' This concept passed into Late Latin as practicus, signifying something concerned with action. The nominal form evolved through Medieval Latin practica (meaning 'practical work') and into Old French as practique or praxique. The suffix '-ice,' derived from Latin -itia, was added to form a noun denoting the state or condition of doing. Thus, the literal 'state of doing' evolved logically into the modern abstract meanings encompassing habitual performance, customary procedure, and repeated exercise to gain skill.
Analysis
Structure: pract (do, act) + ice (noun suffix)
- pract: From Latin practicus (concerned with action), from Greek praktikos (fit for action, practical), from prassein (to do, to act). It functions as the core root conveying the sense of action or doing.
- ice: A noun-forming suffix of French/Latin origin (via Old French -ice, from Latin -itia, -itius), indicating a state, condition, or quality. It functions to nominalize the root, turning the action into a concept or state.
Examples
She needs more practice before her piano recital.
It's standard practice to lock the doors at night.
He practices law in the city.