improvises - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

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improvises

|im-pro-vise-ses|

/ˈɪmprəvaɪzɪz/

(improvise)

create spontaneously

Base Form	Plural	Present	3rd Person Sing.	Past	Past Participle	Present Participle	Noun	Noun	Adjective	Adjective
improvise	improvisers	improvises	improvises	improvised	improvised	improvising	improvisation	improviser	improvised	improvisational

Etymology

Etymology Information

'improvise' originates from French, specifically the word 'improviser', ultimately from Italian 'improvvisare' and Latin 'improvisus', where the elements meant 'not' (in-/im-) + 'foreseen' (provisus/visus).

Historical Evolution

'improvise' changed from Italian 'improvvisare' to French 'improviser' and eventually entered modern English as 'improvise' in the 17th century.

Meaning Changes

Initially it meant 'not foreseen' or 'unforeseen', and over time it evolved into the verb sense 'to do or make something without prior preparation'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

third-person singular present form of 'improvise'.

She improvises when plans fall apart.

Synonyms

is improvising (grammatical equivalent)

Antonyms

is planning (grammatical equivalent)is rehearsing (grammatical equivalent)

Verb 2

to create, compose, or perform spontaneously without prior preparation (especially music, theatre, or speech).

At the jam session he improvises a solo that everyone remembers.

Synonyms

ad-libsextemporizesmakes up

Antonyms

rehearsesplansprepares

Verb 3

to make or devise something using whatever is available; to 'make do'.

When the tent pole snapped, she improvises a support with a broom handle.

Synonyms

makeshiftcobbles togetherjerry-rigs

Antonyms

constructs (carefully)prepares (properly)

Examples

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/11/17 18:57