practise
UK[ˈpræktɪs]US[ˈpræktɪs]
v
to do an activity or train regularly so that you can improve your skill
v
to work in a particular profession, especially medicine or law
v
to do something regularly as part of your normal behaviour
Etymology
the word 'practise' entered english in the late 14th century from the old french 'practiser', meaning to practice or carry out. this french term itself evolved from medieval latin 'practizare', a verb derived from late latin 'practicus', meaning practical. the ultimate origin is the ancient greek 'praktikos', meaning fit for action or practical, which stems from the verb 'prassein', meaning to do, act, or achieve. the semantic journey reflects a shift from the general concept of doing or acting to the specialized modern meanings of repeated exercise to gain proficiency or the professional exercise of a skill.
Analysis
the word 'practise' is a simplex form derived from a single root. it is not productively segmented into smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern english.
Examples
you need to practise the piano every day if you want to get better.
she practises law in the city.
it is a custom he practises every year on the anniversary.