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improve

Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpruːv/

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Definition of improve

verb

  • make or become better: [with object]:efforts to improve relations between the countries (as adjective improved)an improved design [no object]:communications improved during the 18th century
  • [with object] develop or increase in mental capacity by education or experience:I subscribed to two magazines to improve my mind
  • [no object] (improve on/upon) achieve or produce something better than:they are trying to improve on the tired old style

Derivatives

improvability

noun

improvable

adjective

improver

noun

Origin:

early 16th century (as emprowe or improwe): from Anglo-Norman French emprower (based on Old French prou 'profit', ultimately from Latin prodest 'is of advantage'); -owe was changed to -ove under the influence of prove. The original sense was 'make a profit, increase the value of'; subsequently 'make greater in amount or degree'

improve in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of improve in the US English dictionary

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