improve

[ im-proov ]

verb (used with object)

, im·proved, im·prov·ing.

1. to bring into a more desirable or excellent condition:

   He took vitamins to improve his health.

   Synonyms: emend, amend

   Antonyms: worsen

2. to make (land) more useful, profitable, or valuable by enclosure, cultivation, etc.
3. to increase the value of (real property) by betterments, as the construction of buildings and sewers.
4. to make good use of; turn to account:

   He improved the stopover by seeing a client with offices there.

verb (used without object)

, im·proved, im·prov·ing.

1. to increase in value, excellence, etc.; become better:

   The military situation is improving.

   Antonyms: worsen

2. to make improvements, as by revision, addition, or change:

   None of the younger violinists have been able to improve on his interpretation of that work.

improve

/ ɪmˈpruːv /

verb

1. to make or become better in quality; ameliorate
2. tr to make (buildings, land, etc) more valuable by additions or betterment
3. intr; usually foll by on or upon to achieve a better standard or quality in comparison (with)

   to improve on last year's crop

noun

1. on the improve informal.
   improving

Derived Forms

• imˈprovably, adverb
• imˈprovingly, adverb
• imˈprover, noun
• imˌprovaˈbility, noun
• imˈprovable, adjective

Other Words From

• im·prova·ble adjective
• im·prova·bili·ty im·prova·ble·ness noun
• im·prova·bly adverb
• im·proving·ly adverb
• preim·prove verb (used with object) preimproved preimproving
• quasi-im·proved adjective
• super·im·proved adjective
• well-im·proved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of improve¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English improuen, emprouen from Anglo-French emprouer “to turn (something) into profit,” derivative of phrase en prou “into profit,” equivalent to en ( en- ¹ ) + prou, Old French prou, preu from Late Latin prōde (est), by reanalysis of Latin prōdest “(it) is beneficial, of use,” with prōde taken as a neuter noun ( proud ); the sound v was made by association with prove, approve

Word History and Origins

Origin of improve¹

C16: from Anglo-French emprouer to turn to profit, from en prou into profit, from prou profit, from Late Latin prōde beneficial, from Latin prōdesse to be advantageous, from pro- ¹+ esse to be

Example Sentences

Adding folic acid to flour could prevent around 200 cases of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, every year, and improve the health of pregnant women, says the government, which is giving manufacturers until the end of 2026 to conform to the new legal requirement.

From BBC

His death is particularly difficult, Gyamfi said, because Brown had shown her he was persistently fighting to improve himself and, in the most dire of circumstances at times, to live.

From Los Angeles Times

The government wants a regulator to be able to "improve the resilience of club finances, tackle rogue owners and directors and strengthen fan engagement".

From BBC

"Several changes were implemented immediately in order to further improve upon our health and safety systems and processes," said the firm.

From BBC

It’s taking far too long to get a report on how to improve Los Angeles County government.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advance
• better
• boost
• correct
• develop
• enhance
• help
• increase
• lift
• progress
• promote
• raise
• recover
• reform
• revamp
• revise
• rise
• upgrade