Improve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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improve
[ɪmˈpruːv ]
Definitions
communication
To make or become better; to enhance the quality or value of something.
Synonyms
better, boost, enhance, upgrade.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| improve |
Use this word when talking generally about making something better or more effective.
|
| enhance |
Use this word when focusing on adding extra quality or features to something to make it better.
|
| upgrade |
This word is suitable when improving technology, systems, or versions to a more advanced one.
|
| better |
This word fits well when comparing something to its previous state or to another thing to indicate improvement.
|
| boost |
Use this word to talk about increasing or enhancing something quickly or significantly, often in the context of energy, confidence, or performance.
|
Examples of usage
- Regular exercise can improve your overall health.
- She took extra courses to improve her skills.
performance
To achieve a better result compared to previous performance.
Synonyms
advance, amend, develop, progress.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| improve |
Same as 'improve' above; mentioned twice in the prompt.
|
| advance |
Often used in a professional, technological, or scientific context to describe progress or a forward movement.
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| progress |
Used to describe movement towards a goal or forward development.
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| develop |
Used when referring to the process of growth, expansion, or creation over time.
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| amend |
Typically used when referring to making changes to documents, laws, or plans to correct or improve them.
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Examples of usage
- She practiced diligently to improve her piano playing.
- The team worked hard to improve their ranking in the competition.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research suggests that setting specific and achievable goals can significantly enhance the process of improvement in skills or behaviors.
- Positive reinforcement is a key factor in improvement; rewarding yourself for small progress can encourage further development.
- The 'growth mindset' theory proposes that believing abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work fosters resilience and improvement.
Education
- In classrooms, improvement is often measured by assessment scores or skills development over time, highlighting the importance of continuous learning.
- Teachers frequently use formative assessments to help students identify areas for improvement, enabling targeted strategies for success.
- Collaborative learning environments can lead to faster improvement as students share knowledge and skills with one another.
Self-Help
- Many self-help books focus on the idea of improvement, providing strategies for personal development in various aspects of life.
- Journaling is a popular technique recommended for tracking personal improvement and reflecting on growth over time.
- Practicing mindfulness is often suggested as a way to improve mental well-being, facilitating personal growth and emotional resilience.
Origin of 'improve'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'probare' meaning 'to test or prove' and the prefix 'in-' which often implies 'into' or 'on' in the sense of progression.
- It made its way to the English language around the 14th century, evolving to indicate making something better.
- Over time, the meaning expanded to include personal improvement and development in various contexts.
The word 'improve' originated from the Middle English word 'emprowen', which meant 'to make profit, increase the value of'. It has evolved over time to represent the act of making something better or enhancing its quality. The concept of improvement has always been a fundamental aspect of human progress and development, as individuals and societies strive to enhance their circumstances and achieve higher standards of living.
See also: improv, improvable, improved, improvement, improvements, improver, improving, improvise.