DictionaryAI

improve

verb
im-PROOV/ɪmˈpɹuːv/

Formsimproves, improving, improved

6 meanings of improve

Practice

  1. 1
    make betterverbtransitive
    To make something better, or more useful or valuable.

    Like fixing up an old bike so it works better than before.

    Reading every day will improve your vocabulary.

    They improved the road by adding new lights.

    UsageYou improve something: improve your English. Things can also improve on their own.

    Similarenhance, boost, better, upgrade

    Oppositeworsen, impair, damage, diminish

    Note
  2. 2
    get betterverbintransitive
    To get better, stronger, or more skilled over time.

    Like a plant that grows taller and stronger each week.

    Her health improved after she started exercising.

    With practice, your skills will improve.

    UsageOften improve with practice or improve with time.

    Similarrecover, rally, progress, brighten

    Oppositeworsen, deteriorate, decline

  3. 3
    do better thanverbintransitive
    To do better than an earlier try, result, or version, used with "on".

    I want to improve on my score from last week.

    This new bike improves on the old model in many ways.

    UsageTo improve on something is to beat it, as in improve on your best time.

    Similarbetter, surpass, beat, top

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    make use ofverbdatedtransitive
    To make good use of something for benefit or profit.
    How doth the little busy bee / Improve each shining hour.
    1715, Isaac Watts, Against Idleness and MischiefHere, improve means to make good use of time.
    We shall especially honour God, by discharging faithfully those offices which God hath entrusted us with: by improving diligently those talents which God hath committed to us
    a. 1678 (date written), Isaac Barrow, The Works of Dr. Isaac Barrow

    Similaruse, exploit, utilize, employ

    Oppositewaste, squander

    Note
  2. 5
    verbobsolete
    To disapprove of someone or something, or find fault with them.
    Note
  3. 6
    verbobsolete
    To prove that something is false or not true.
    One ſayth this and a nother that / but can not agre. Nether can any of them make ſo ſtronge a reaſon vvhich a nother can not improve.
    1528, William Tyndale, “[Of the Sacramentes.] Of Order.”Here, improve means to prove a claim false.
    Note

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 1–4

From an old Anglo-Norman word meaning to make a profit, going back to a Latin word for 'profitable'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts

Meanings 5–6

From the Latin word improbō, meaning to disapprove or reject.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts