extemporize
[ ik-stem-puh-rahyz ]
/ ɪkˈstɛm pəˌraɪz /
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verb (used without object), ex·tem·po·rized, ex·tem·po·riz·ing.
to speak extemporaneously: He can extemporize on any of a number of subjects.
to sing, or play on an instrument, composing the music as one proceeds; improvise.
to do or manage something in a makeshift way.
verb (used with object), ex·tem·po·rized, ex·tem·po·riz·ing.
to make or devise extempore.
Music. to compose offhand; improvise.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Also especially British, ex·tem·po·rise .
OTHER WORDS FROM extemporize
ex·tem·po·ri·za·tion, nounex·tem·po·riz·er, nounWords nearby extemporize
extd., extemporal, extemporaneous, extemporary, extempore, extemporize, extend, extend credit to, extended, extended care, extended complex plane
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for extemporize
extemporize
extemporise
/ (ɪkˈstɛmpəˌraɪz) /
verb
to perform, speak, or compose (an act, speech, piece of music, etc) without planning or preparation
to use (a temporary solution) for an immediate need; improvise
Derived forms of extemporize
extemporization or extemporisation, nounextemporizer or extemporiser, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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