improvise
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪmˈprɒvaɪz/
KK: /ɪmˈprɑːvaɪz/
intransitive verb
Definition
To create or perform something without preparation, using whatever is available at the moment.
Example
During the performance, the musician had to improvise when his sheet music was lost.
Tense Forms
Past: improvised
Past Participle: improvised
Conversation
I forgot my guitar for the jam session today.
No worries, we can improvise with whatever instruments we have.
That's true! I can use my keyboard instead.
Exactly, let's see what cool sounds we can come up with.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
create
compose
devise
Antonyms
plan
prepare
organize
transitive verb
Definition
To create or perform something without planning or preparation, often using whatever is available.
Example
She had to improvise a speech when the speaker didn't show up.
Tense Forms
Past: improvised
Past Participle: improvised
Conversation
Do you think we should plan out the whole presentation in advance?
Not really, I think we can just improvise a bit if we need to.
That makes sense; sometimes the best ideas come when we’re being spontaneous.
Root Explanation
Improvise → It is formed from "im-" (meaning not) and "provisus" (from the Latin "providere", meaning to provide or foresee). The word describes the act of creating or performing something spontaneously, without prior preparation or provision.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not providing' ('im-') a plan or preparation, which helps you remember that to improvise means to create something on the spot.
Visually Confused Words
unimprovised
impose