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

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

From Los Angeles Times

"As a serial entrepreneur, Musk has been relentless in trying to improve institutional efficiency at his own enterprises, most notably, Tesla and X," says Thomas Gift, a professor of US politics at University College London.

From BBC

Many campaigners have argued improved end-of-life care would reduce demand for assisted dying.

From BBC

It will no longer be required to consider government foreign and trade policy when approving club takeovers, and there will be "a clear commitment" to do more to improve equality, diversity and inclusion.

From BBC

"We will drive the health service to improve, so patients get more out of it for what taxpayers put in," he will say.

From BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

What are other ways to say improve?

To improve something is to bring it into a more desirable or excellent condition. How is improve different from the verbs ameliorate and better? Find out on Thesaurus.com.