Praxis vs. Practice — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 11, 2024
Praxis is the process of applying theories or ideas in practice, focusing on reflective action, while practice refers to the routine or repeated performance of activities to gain skill.
Difference Between Praxis and Practice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Praxis involves the application of theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, emphasizing the importance of reflection and adaptation. It's a critical and reflective process, aiming to transform both theory and practice through active engagement. On the other hand, practice is more about the consistent repetition of actions or activities to improve proficiency, without necessarily engaging in deep reflection or theoretical analysis.
While praxis seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice through critical reflection and adaptation, practice focuses on the repetition and honing of skills or procedures. Praxis encourages a reflective approach, looking at the outcomes of actions and how they can inform better practices in the future. Practice, however, is often about building muscle memory or automaticity in certain tasks.
Praxis is often used in educational and professional development contexts, where there's an emphasis on applying and testing theories in real-life situations to learn and improve. Practice, whereas, is a term commonly found in various fields such as sports, music, and healthcare, emphasizing skill acquisition through repetition.
In praxis, the individual's reflection on their actions and the outcomes plays a crucial role in learning and development. This reflective process aims to improve both understanding and execution. On the other hand, in practice, the focus is more on the physical or procedural repetition of activities to enhance performance or skill.
Praxis is rooted in critical pedagogy and aims to create a dynamic interaction between theory and practice, fostering continuous improvement and learning. Practice, whereas, can be seen as the groundwork or foundation upon which skills are built and refined over time through consistent effort.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Applying and reflecting on theory in action
Repetition of activities for skill gain
Goal
To bridge theory and practice through action
To improve proficiency in a skill
Context
Often educational and professional development
Various fields like sports and music
Process
Reflective and adaptive
Repetitive and consistent
Underlying Theory
Critical engagement with theory and practice
Building muscle memory or automaticity
Compare with Definitions
Praxis
The process of applying theories in real-world situations.
The social science course emphasizes praxis, encouraging students to implement sociological theories in community projects.
Practice
The act of doing something repeatedly to improve.
Daily practice on the piano made her proficient in less than a year.
Praxis
Reflective action aimed at transforming theory into practice.
Her approach to teaching is grounded in praxis, constantly adapting her methods based on classroom interactions.
Practice
The application or use of an idea or method.
The practice of mindfulness is becoming popular in workplaces to enhance well-being.
Praxis
The integration of theory and practice through critical reflection.
The workshop focused on praxis, blending philosophical discussions with practical exercises.
Practice
The continuous exercise of a profession.
After passing her exams, she began her practice as a dentist.
Praxis
Practice as informed by theory.
In his architecture, one can see praxis come to life through the application of sustainable design principles.
Practice
Routine or habitual performance of an activity.
His practice of meditating every morning helped him reduce stress.
Praxis
A method of learning and improving through action and reflection.
The nurse's praxis involved regularly updating her clinical practices based on the latest research findings.
Practice
The customary, habitual, or expected procedure or way of doing something.
It's common practice to shake hands at the beginning of a business meeting.
Praxis
Practical application or exercise of a branch of learning.
Practice
The actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories relating to it
The principles and practice of teaching
The recommendations proved too expensive to put into practice
Praxis
Habitual or established practice; custom.
Practice
The customary, habitual, or expected procedure or way of doing of something
Modern child-rearing practices
Product placement is common practice in American movies
Praxis
The practical application of any branch of learning.
Practice
Repeated exercise in or performance of an activity or skill so as to acquire or maintain proficiency in it
It must have taken a lot of practice to become so fluent
Praxis
(drama) The deliberate action of a rational being.
Practice
US spelling of practise
Praxis
(philosophy) The synthesis of theory and practice, without presuming the primacy of either.
Practice
To do or perform habitually or customarily; make a habit of
Practices courtesy in social situations.
Praxis
Custom or established practice.
Practice
To do or perform (something) repeatedly in order to acquire or polish a skill
Practice a dance step.
Praxis
An example or form of exercise, or a collection of such examples, for practice.
Practice
To give lessons or repeated instructions to; drill
Practiced the students in handwriting.
Praxis
Use; practice; especially, exercise or discipline for a specific purpose or object.
Practice
To work at, especially as a profession
Practice law.
Praxis
An example or form of exercise, or a collection of such examples, for practice.
Practice
To carry out in action; observe
Practices a religion piously.
Praxis
Translating an idea into action;
A hard theory to put into practice
Differences between theory and praxis of communism
Practice
(Obsolete) To plot (something evil).
Practice
To do something repeatedly in order to acquire or polish a skill
With any musical instrument, you need to practice to get better.
Practice
To work at a profession
How long has that lawyer been practicing?.
Practice
To do or perform something habitually or repeatedly
Why not practice in the same manner that you preach?.
Practice
(Archaic) To intrigue or plot.
Practice
A habitual or customary action or way of doing something
Makes a practice of being punctual.
Practice
Repeated performance of an activity in order to learn or perfect a skill
Practice will make you a good musician.
Practice
A session of preparation or performance undertaken to acquire or polish a skill
Goes to piano practice weekly.
Scheduled a soccer practice for Saturday.
Practice
(Archaic) The skill so learned or perfected.
Practice
The condition of being skilled through repeated exercise
Out of practice.
Practice
The act or process of doing something; performance or action
A theory that is difficult to put into practice.
Practice
Exercise of an occupation or profession
The practice of law.
Practice
The business of a professional person
An obstetrician with her own practice.
Practice
A habitual or customary action or act
That company engages in questionable business practices. Facial tattooing is a standard practice among certain peoples.
Practice
(Law) The procedure for trial of cases in a court of law, usually specified by rules.
Practice
The act of tricking or scheming, especially with malicious intent.
Practice
A trick, scheme, or intrigue.
Practice
Repetition of an activity to improve a skill.
He will need lots of practice with the lines before he performs them.
Practice
An organized event for the purpose of performing such repetition.
Being on a team is hard: you're always having to go to practice while everyone else is taking it easy.
I have choir practice every Sunday after church.
Practice
The ongoing pursuit of a craft or profession, particularly in medicine or the fine arts.
Practice
(countable) A place where a professional service is provided, such as a general practice.
She ran a thriving medical practice.
Practice
The observance of religious duties that a church requires of its members.
Practice
A customary action, habit, or behaviour; a manner or routine.
It is the usual practice of employees there to wear neckties only when meeting with customers.
It is good practice to check each door and window before leaving.
Practice
Actual operation or experiment, in contrast to theory.
That may work in theory, but will it work in practice?
Practice
(legal) The form, manner, and order of conducting and carrying on suits and prosecutions through their various stages, according to the principles of law and the rules laid down by the courts.
This firm of solicitors is involved in family law practice.
Practice
Skilful or artful management; dexterity in contrivance or the use of means; stratagem; artifice.
Practice
(math) A easy and concise method of applying the rules of arithmetic to questions which occur in trade and business.
Practice
(US) practise
Practice
Frequently repeated or customary action; habitual performance; a succession of acts of a similar kind; usage; habit; custom; as, the practice of rising early; the practice of making regular entries of accounts; the practice of daily exercise.
A heart . . . exercised with covetous practices.
Practice
Customary or constant use; state of being used.
Obsolete words may be revived when they are more sounding or more significant than those in practice.
Practice
Skill or dexterity acquired by use; expertness.
Practice
Actual performance; application of knowledge; - opposed to theory.
There are two functions of the soul, - contemplation and practice.
There is a distinction, but no opposition, between theory and practice; each, to a certain extent, supposes the other; theory is dependent on practice; practice must have preceded theory.
Practice
Systematic exercise for instruction or discipline; as, the troops are called out for practice; she neglected practice in music.
Practice
Application of science to the wants of men; the exercise of any profession; professional business; as, the practice of medicine or law; a large or lucrative practice.
Practice is exercise of an art, or the application of a science in life, which application is itself an art.
Practice
Skillful or artful management; dexterity in contrivance or the use of means; art; stratagem; artifice; plot; - usually in a bad sense.
He sought to have that by practice which he could not by prayer.
Practice
A easy and concise method of applying the rules of arithmetic to questions which occur in trade and business.
Practice
The form, manner, and order of conducting and carrying on suits and prosecutions through their various stages, according to the principles of law and the rules laid down by the courts.
Practice
To do or perform frequently, customarily, or habitually; to make a practice of; as, to practice gaming.
Practice
To exercise, or follow, as a profession, trade, art, etc., as, to practice law or medicine.
Practice
To exercise one's self in, for instruction or improvement, or to acquire discipline or dexterity; as, to practice gunnery; to practice music.
Practice
To put into practice; to carry out; to act upon; to commit; to execute; to do.
As this advice ye practice or neglect.
Practice
To make use of; to employ.
In malice to this good knight's wife, I practiced Ubaldo and Ricardo to corrupt her.
Practice
To teach or accustom by practice; to train.
In church they are taught to love God; after church they are practiced to love their neighbor.
Practice
To perform certain acts frequently or customarily, either for instruction, profit, or amusement; as, to practice with the broadsword or with the rifle; to practice on the piano.
Practice
To learn by practice; to form a habit.
They shall practice how to live secure.
Practice first over yourself to reign.
Practice
To try artifices or stratagems.
He will practice against thee by poison.
Practice
To apply theoretical science or knowledge, esp. by way of experiment; to exercise or pursue an employment or profession, esp. that of medicine or of law.
[I am] little inclined to practice on others, and as little that others should practice on me.
Practice
A customary way of operation or behavior;
It is their practice to give annual raises
They changed their dietary pattern
Practice
Systematic training by multiple repetitions;
Practice makes perfect
Practice
Translating an idea into action;
A hard theory to put into practice
Differences between theory and praxis of communism
Practice
The exercise of a profession;
The practice of the law
I took over his practice when he retired
Practice
Knowledge of how something is usually done;
It is not the local practice to wear shorts to dinner
Practice
Learn by repetition;
We drilled French verbs every day
Pianists practice scales
Practice
Avail oneself to;
Apply a principle
Practice a religion
Use care when going down the stairs
Use your common sense
Practice non-violent resistance
Practice
Carry out or practice; as of jobs and professions;
Practice law
Practice
Engage in a rehearsal (of)
Common Curiosities
What is praxis?
Praxis is the process of applying theoretical concepts to practical situations, involving reflection and action to bridge theory with practice.
Why is praxis important?
Praxis is crucial for learning and improving by actively engaging with theories and reflecting on their practical application.
Is practice only for physical skills?
No, practice applies to both physical and cognitive skills, including learning instruments, sports, or even intellectual tasks.
How does praxis differ from practice?
Praxis involves critical reflection and application of theory, whereas practice focuses on repeated actions to gain skill.
Can praxis lead to innovation?
Yes, by critically applying and reflecting on theory in practice, praxis can lead to new insights and innovations.
Can praxis be a solitary activity?
While praxis can be individual, it often benefits from collaboration and feedback from peers or mentors.
How is practice measured?
Practice is often measured by improvements in performance, skill level, or proficiency over time.
How does practice affect learning?
Practice strengthens neural connections, making skills more automatic and improving learning efficiency.
Can praxis be applied in all professions?
Yes, praxis can be applied across various professions, especially in fields that benefit from integrating theory with practical action.
What role does reflection play in praxis?
Reflection is central to praxis, allowing for the assessment and adaptation of actions based on theoretical insights.
What is an example of praxis in education?
Applying learning theories to design and reflect on classroom activities is an example of praxis in education.
What is the outcome of successful praxis?
The outcome of successful praxis is improved practices that effectively integrate theoretical insights with practical application.
Does practice always improve skill?
Generally, yes, but the effectiveness of practice depends on its quality, consistency, and the learner's reflection on their progress.
Is there a specific method to practice effectively?
Effective practice often involves setting goals, receiving feedback, and focusing on quality over quantity.
How can one incorporate praxis into learning?
By critically reflecting on how theoretical knowledge applies in practical scenarios and adapting based on outcomes.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
