in practice

1. Actually, in fact, especially as opposed to theoretically or in principle . For example, In practice this contraption seems to work, although no one knows how or why . [Second half of 1500s] Also see put into practice .

2. In the exercise of a particular profession, as in She's an obstetrician and has been in practice for at least ten years . [c. 1700]

3. In a state of being exercised so as to maintain one's skill, as in This trumpeter is always in practice . [Early 1600s] For an antonym, see out of practice .

Example Sentences

It was introduced in 1997 as a universal payment to reassure pensioners they would be able to heat their homes as temperatures drop, although in practice recipients can spend it on whatever they want.

From BBC

The government has promised "effective intervention" where forces are shown to be failing - although details of what this means in practice have not yet been set out.

From BBC

But in practice, he found himself hemmed in by experienced Cabinet officials, White House lawyers and military officers, some of whom dubbed themselves “the adults in the room.”

From Los Angeles Times

Said Curl: “We’re basically going against a starter every day in practice. ... It’s not like we’re going through the motions with the scout team.”

From Los Angeles Times

The 25-year-old participated in practice Wednesday for the first time after missing the last three games with a quadriceps injury.

From Los Angeles Times