improvise

[ im-pruh-vahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, im·pro·vised, im·pro·vis·ing.

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)

, im·pro·vised, im·pro·vis·ing.

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

   When the actor forgot his lines he had to improvise.

improvise

/ ˈɪmprəˌvaɪz /

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

Derived Forms

• ˈimproˌviser, noun

Other Words From

• impro·viser impro·visor noun

Word 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 imprōvīsus, equivalent to im- “un-” + prōvīsus, past participle of prōvidēre “to see beforehand, prepare, provide for (a future circumstance)”; im- ², proviso

Word History and Origins

Origin of improvise¹

C19: from French, from Italian improvvisare, from Latin imprōvīsus unforeseen, from im- (not) + prōvīsus, from prōvidēre to foresee; see provide

Example Sentences

One Artemisa resident said people were having to "improvise" to deal with the power cuts.

From BBC

"If you don't have gas, you have to improvise with coal," Elias Perez said.

From BBC

“She’s completely unrestrained in her imagination and her capacity to improvise,” he says by phone.

From Los Angeles Times

But on the spot the two also decided to improvise as Sánchez-Vidal took their testosterone shot on the wrestling mat — a moment met with thunderous applause.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a hint of the impact Wilder can make on defense when Serra moves him around and lets him improvise to take advantage of his athleticism.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ad-lib
• brainstorm
• concoct
• contrive
• devise
• dream up
• invent
• throw together