Improve: meaning, definitions and examples
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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.
|
| progress |
Used to describe movement towards a goal or forward development.
|
| develop |
Used when referring to the process of growth, expansion, or creation over time.
|
| 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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "improve" in other languages:
🇵🇹 melhorar
🇮🇳 सुधारना (sudhaarna)
🇩🇪 verbessern
🇮🇩 memperbaiki
🇺🇦 покращити
🇵🇱 poprawić
🇯🇵 改善する (kaizen suru)
🇫🇷 améliorer
🇪🇸 mejorar
🇹🇷 iyileştirmek
🇰🇷 개선하다 (gaeseonhada)
🇸🇦 تحسين (tahsin)
🇨🇿 zlepšit
🇸🇰 zlepšiť
🇨🇳 改善 (gǎishàn)
🇸🇮 izboljšati
🇮🇸 bæta
🇰🇿 жақсарту (zhaqsartu)
🇬🇪 გაუმჯობესება (gaumjobeseba)
🇦🇿 yaxşılaşdırmaq
🇲🇽 mejorar