improve
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improve¹
- /ɪmˈpɹuːv/
Rhymes with -uːv
Where it comes from
From Anglo-Norman emprouwer, from Old French en- + prou (“profit”), from Vulgar Latin prode (“advantageous, profitable”).
verb improves · improving · improved · emprove
- To make (something) better; to increase the value or productivity (of something). Painting the woodwork will improve this house.
- To become better. I have improved since taking the tablets.
- To use or employ to good purpose; to turn to profitable account. to improve one's time; to improve his means
Similar: better, batten, enhance, aprimorate (non-native speakers’ English (chiefly Portuguese)), amend, hone, improve, meliorate, refine, get better, look up
improve²
- /ɪmˈpɹuːv/
Rhymes with -uːv
Where it comes from
From Latin improbō (“disapprove, reject”). Doublet of improbate.
verb improves · improving · improved
- To disprove or make void; to refute. One ſayth this and a nother that / but can not agre. Nether can any of them make ſo ſtronge a reaſon vvhich a nother can not improve.
- To disapprove of; to find fault with; to reprove; to censure. [W]hen he reherſed his preachinge and his doynges vnto the hye Apoſtles / they coulde improve no thinge […]
Similar: aprimorate (non-native speakers’ English (chiefly Portuguese)), amend, hone, improve, meliorate, refine, get better, look up, ameliorate, batten, better, enhance
