improve

== English == === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ɪmˈpɹuːv/ Rhymes: -uːv === Etymology 1 === From Anglo-Norman emprouwer, from Old French en- + prou (“profit”), from Vulgar Latin prode (“advantageous, profitable”). ==== Alternative forms ==== emprove (obsolete) ==== Verb ==== improve (third-person singular simple present improves, present participle improving, simple past and past participle improved) (transitive) To make (something) better; to increase the value or productivity (of something). (intransitive) To become better. (dated) To use or employ to good purpose; to turn to profitable account. March 7, 1778, George Washington, letter True policy, as well as good faith, in my opinion, binds us to improve the occasion. ===== Synonyms ===== (to make something better): ameliorate, better, batten, enhance; See also Thesaurus:improve ===== Antonyms ===== (antonym(s) of “to make something worse”): deteriorate, worsen; See also Thesaurus:aggravate (antonym(s) of “to become worse”): deteriorate, worsen; See also Thesaurus:worsen ===== Derived terms ===== ===== Translations ===== === Etymology 2 === From Latin improbō (“disapprove, reject”). Doublet of improbate. ==== Verb ==== improve (third-person singular simple present improves, present participle improving, simple past and past participle improved) (obsolete) To disprove or make void; to refute. (obsolete) To disapprove of; to find fault with; to reprove; to censure. === Further reading === Raymond Williams (1983), “Improve”, in Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society, revised American edition, New York, N.Y.: Oxford University Press, published 1985, →ISBN, page 160.