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DictionaryimproveMake or become better
verb

improve

im-PROOV/ɪmˈpruːv/

To make or become better.

The craftsperson improves the chair by replacing its cracked seat slat.

A craftsperson improves an old wooden chair by securely replacing a cracked seat slat; an old broken slat lies beside it and the new smooth slat fits neatly in place.
Etymology
imOld Frenchbring into a state
+proveOld Frenchprofit

The causative prefix and “profit” originally expressed turning something to profitable use or increasing income. That practical sense broadened to raising quality or condition—the general meaning “make or become better.”

In context

Plainly Difficult245:36
In order to improve the town's connection to the ski resorts and offer expedited travel up the mountain, a cable car was constructed in 1964.
Rewind Year 7 of Plainly Difficult | Youtube Omnibus

More examples

  • His knee is improving with rest.
  • We improved the recipe by adding fresh herbs.
  • The new software should improve on the previous version.

Forms

improve · improves · improved · improving

improvement noun — A change that makes something better.

Similar words

enhance
Emphasizes increasing an existing quality, value, or appeal.
refine
Focuses on small adjustments that increase precision or quality.