51Թ

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View synonyms for

improvise

[ im-pruh-vahyz ]

verb (used with object)

improvised, improvising.
  1. to compose and perform or deliver without previous preparation; extemporize:

    to improvise an acceptance speech.

  2. to compose, play, recite, or sing (verse, music, etc.) on the spur of the moment.
  3. to make, provide, or arrange from whatever materials are readily available:

    We improvised a dinner from yesterday's leftovers.



verb (used without object)

improvised, improvising.
  1. to compose, utter, execute, or arrange anything extemporaneously:

    When the actor forgot his lines he had to improvise.

improvise

/ ˈɪəˌɪ /

verb

  1. to perform or make quickly from materials and sources available, without previous planning
  2. to perform (a poem, play, piece of music, etc), composing as one goes along
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈˌ, noun
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • p·e p·ȴǰ noun
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of improvise1

First recorded in 1820–30; from French improviser, or its source, Italian improvisare (later improvvisare ), verbal derivative of improviso “improvised,” from Latin ōīܲ, equivalent to im- “un-” + ōīܲ, past participle of ōŧ “to see beforehand, prepare, provide for (a future circumstance)”; im- 2, proviso
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of improvise1

C19: from French, from Italian improvvisare, from Latin ōīܲ unforeseen, from im- (not) + ōīܲ, from ōŧ to foresee; see provide
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

It can signify poverty, but, as Oyelowo points out, it can also suggest resourcefulness, the ability to create and improvise something new and unexpected out of the available ingredients.

From

Despite being held in a high-security unit, Abedi, 28, attacked three prison officers on Saturday with improvised blades and hot cooking oil.

From

There are pops of surprise, especially as Charlie demonstrates his newfound aptitude for improvised explosive devices, but there’s no mystery.

From

Keeping the vibe loose and spontaneous, they drank whiskey and improvised instrumentals.

From

But it was his take on crowd work — where stand-up comedians base their material off of improvised interactions with the audience — that got people’s attention.

From

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