improvise

[im-pruh-vahyz]

verb (used with object)

improvised, improvising 

1. to compose and perform or deliver without previous preparation; extemporize.

   to improvise an acceptance speech.

2. to compose, play, recite, or sing (verse, music, etc.) on the spur of the moment.

3. to make, provide, or arrange from whatever materials are readily available.

   We improvised a dinner from yesterday's leftovers.

verb (used without object)

improvised, improvising 

1. to compose, utter, execute, or arrange anything extemporaneously.

   When the actor forgot his lines he had to improvise.

improvise

/ ˈɪmprəˌvaɪz /

verb

1. to perform or make quickly from materials and sources available, without previous planning

2. to perform (a poem, play, piece of music, etc), composing as one goes along

Other Word Forms

• improviser noun
• improvisor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of improvise¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from French improviser, or its source, Italian improvisare (later improvvisare ), verbal derivative of improviso “improvised,” from Latin imprōvīsus, equivalent to im- “un-” + prōvīsus, past participle of prōvidēre “to see beforehand, prepare, provide for (a future circumstance)”; im- ², proviso

Word History and Origins

Origin of improvise¹

C19: from French, from Italian improvvisare, from Latin imprōvīsus unforeseen, from _im- (not) + prōvīsus, from prōvidēre to foresee; see _provide

Example Sentences

On a show dictated by cue cards, he’s the rare cast member with some leeway to improvise.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The Dodgers improvised their way to a title last October, with three starting pitchers and four bullpen games.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Roberts: I think in the earlier seasons, we were more improvising and things like that.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

An improvised fireless slow cooker is built from little more than a wooden box, expanding foam, and a yoga mat - and it works.

Read more on BBC

This collaboration was recorded with no rehearsals and improvised in single takes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ad-lib 
• brainstorm 
• concoct 
• contrive 
• devise 
• dream up 
• invent 
• throw together