verb
improvise
IHM-pruh-vyz
Improvise (verb) means to create or perform something on the spot without preparation, often using whatever is available. Example: “When the power went out, they had to improvise dinner by candlelight.”
verb
1
To create or perform something on the spot without preparation, often using whatever is available.
"When the power went out, they had to improvise dinner by candlelight."
"The actor improvised a line when he forgot the script."
How to use improvise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something up or do something without any planning, often using what's at hand.
Common pairings
improvise a solution
forced to improvise
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- improvises
- Past tense
- improvised
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
When the power went out, they had to _____ dinner by candlelight.
Etymology
From French improviser, ultimately from Latin improvisus ("unforeseen").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for improvise
See all rhymes for improvise →Frequently asked questions
What does “improvise” mean?
The word “improvise” means to create or perform something on the spot without preparation, often using whatever is available. In plain terms, to make something up or do something without any planning, often using what's at hand.
How do you pronounce “improvise”?
“Improvise” is pronounced IHM-pruh-vyz (/ˈɪm.pɹə.vaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “improvise” in a sentence?
Here is “improvise” used in a sentence: “When the power went out, they had to improvise dinner by candlelight.”
What part of speech is “improvise”?
“Improvise” is a verb.
Where does the word “improvise” come from?
The word “improvise” comes from Latin. From French improviser, ultimately from Latin improvisus ("unforeseen").
