Library / English Dictionary

IMPROVISE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Perform without preparation

Example:

he extemporized a speech at the wedding

Synonyms:

ad-lib; extemporise; extemporize; improvise; improvize

Classified under:

Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing

Hypernyms (to "improvise" is one way to...):

do; execute; perform (carry out or perform an action)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s
Somebody ----s something

Sentence example:

They will improvise the duet

Derivation:

improvisation (a performance given extempore without planning or preparation)

improvisation (an unplanned expedient)

improvisation (a creation spoken or written or composed extemporaneously (without prior preparation))

Sense 2

Meaning:

Manage in a makeshift way; do with whatever is at hand

Example:

after the hurricane destroyed our house, we had to improvise for weeks

Synonyms:

extemporize; improvise

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Hypernyms (to "improvise" is one way to...):

contend; cope; deal; get by; grapple; make do; make out; manage (succeed in doing, achieving, or producing (something) with the limited or inadequate means available)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s

Derivation:

improvisation (an unplanned expedient)

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