improve
ihm-PROOV
Improve (verb) means to make something better in quality, value, or condition. Example: “Adding more lighting would improve the look of the shop considerably.”
verb
1
To make something better in quality, value, or condition.
"Adding more lighting would improve the look of the shop considerably."
"The new manager improved staff morale within a few months."
"Regular exercise can improve your mood and sleep."
2
To become better.
"If you practise every day, your handwriting will improve."
"The patient's condition began to improve after a few days of rest."
"Her French improved a lot after the exchange trip."
How to use improve
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make, or become, better than before.
Common pairings
improve on
greatly improve
improve conditions
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- improves
- Past tense
- improved
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Adding more lighting would _____ the look of the shop considerably.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman emprouwer, ultimately from Vulgar Latin prode ("profitable, advantageous").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for improve
See all rhymes for improve →Frequently asked questions
What does “improve” mean?
The word “improve” means to make something better in quality, value, or condition. In plain terms, to make, or become, better than before.
How do you pronounce “improve”?
“Improve” is pronounced ihm-PROOV (/ɪmˈpɹuːv/ in IPA).
How do you use “improve” in a sentence?
Here is “improve” used in a sentence: “The new manager improved staff morale within a few months.”
What is another word for “improve”?
Words with a similar meaning to “improve” include better, batten, enhance, amend, hone and meliorate.
What is the opposite of “improve”?
The opposite of “improve” — its antonyms — are deteriorate, worsen, aggravate, make matters worse and pejorate.
What part of speech is “improve”?
“Improve” is a verb.
Where does the word “improve” come from?
The word “improve” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Anglo-Norman emprouwer, ultimately from Vulgar Latin prode ("profitable, advantageous").
Is “improve” a common word?
“Improve” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between 'improve' and 'enhance'?
'Improve' means to make something better, often by fixing a weakness or raising a low standard. 'Enhance' means to add to or intensify something that is already good — enhancing flavour, or enhancing an image. You improve a poor essay; you enhance a strong one. Enhance builds on quality that already exists.
What is the opposite of 'improve'?
The opposite of 'improve' is to make something worse. Common antonyms are 'worsen', 'deteriorate', 'decline', and 'degrade'. If your health worsens it gets poorer; if a building deteriorates it falls into disrepair. Where 'improve' raises quality, value, or condition, these words lower it.
What is an example of improving something?
You improve your fitness by exercising regularly, improve a report by editing out errors, or improve a house by repairing and decorating it. In each case something moves from a lower state to a better one — in quality, value, or condition.
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