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improvise

Pronunciation: /ˈɪmprəvʌɪz/
Translate improvise | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of improvise

verb

[with object]
  • create and perform (music, drama, or verse) spontaneously or without preparation:he invited actors to improvise dialogue [no object]:he was improvising to a backing of guitar chords
  • produce or make (something) from whatever is available:I improvised a costume for myself out of an old blue dress

Derivatives

improvisatory

Pronunciation: /-ˈzeɪt(ə)ri/
adjective

improviser

noun

Origin:

early 19th century (earlier (late 18th century) as improvisation): from French improviser or its source, Italian improvvisare, from improvviso 'extempore', from Latin improvisus 'unforeseen', based on provisus, past participle of providere 'make preparation for'

Spelling help

Unlike most verbs ending in -ise, improvise cannot be spelled with an -ize ending.

improvise in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of improvise in the US English dictionary

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