Improvisation: meaning, definitions and examples

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improvisation

 

[ ˌɪmprəvaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

music

The act of creating or performing music, drama, or verse spontaneously without preparation.

Synonyms

creativity, innovation, spontaneity.

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Word Description / Examples
improvisation

Used when someone creates or performs something without preparation. Often related to music, theater, and public speaking.

  • The jazz band’s performance was full of improvisation
spontaneity

Used to describe actions or behavior done without planning. Often has a positive connotation, implying a natural and refreshing approach.

  • Her spontaneity made the trip an unforgettable adventure
creativity

Refers to the ability to think of new and original ideas. Commonly used in artistic, academic, and business contexts.

  • Her creativity shines through her unique paintings
innovation

Describes the act of introducing something new and beneficial. Often used in business, technology, and science.

  • The company is known for its innovation in product design

Examples of usage

  • Jazz musicians are known for their incredible improvisation skills.
  • She impressed the audience with her brilliant improvisation on the piano.
  • Theatre actors often rely on improvisation to enhance their performances.
  • Improvisation allows artists to express themselves freely and creatively.
  • His improvisation on the guitar was truly remarkable.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The action or process of improvising.

Synonyms

adaptation, ingenuity, resourcefulness.

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Word Description / Examples
improvisation

Use this word when someone is acting or performing something on the spot, without any prior preparation. It is common in music, theater, and situations requiring quick thinking.

  • Her improvisation during the live performance wowed the audience.
  • When the equipment failed, his improvisation skills saved the show.
adaptation

Use this word when talking about adjusting or changing something to fit a new situation, condition, or environment. It is often used in contexts like biology, technology, and literature.

  • The adaptation of the novel into a movie was very successful.
  • The company's quick adaptation to market changes helped them stay competitive.
resourcefulness

Use this word when describing someone's ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties. It emphasizes practical problem-solving using available resources.

  • Her resourcefulness helped the team finish the project on time, despite limited resources.
  • When they got lost during the hike, his resourcefulness ensured they found their way back.
ingenuity

Use this word to highlight the cleverness or inventiveness of a solution or idea. It suggests creative thinking and original problem-solving.

  • His ingenuity in designing the new app impressed the investors.
  • The team's ingenuity led to the development of a groundbreaking technology.

Examples of usage

  • His quick improvisation saved the day.
  • Improvisation is a valuable skill in many aspects of life.
Context #3 | Noun

comedy

The performance of unscripted and unrehearsed comedic scenes or routines.

Synonyms

comedy, satire, skit.

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Word Description / Examples
improvisation

Used when describing spontaneous and unrehearsed performances or actions, often seen in theater, music, or everyday problem-solving.

  • Her improvisation on the piano amazed everyone.
  • In times of crisis, quick improvisation can save the day.
skit

Short, humorous performances or sketches, usually performed live and often involving a small group of actors. Common in shows and events.

  • They performed a hilarious skit about office life at the charity event.
  • The comedy troupe is known for their clever skits and improvisations.
comedy

Refers to content designed to entertain and amuse, often through humor, jokes, and funny situations. Common in films, TV shows, and live performances.

  • The comedy in that TV series makes me laugh out loud.
  • He has a great sense of comedy and always tells the best jokes.
satire

Describes a genre that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or expose flaws in society, individuals, or institutions. Often has a negative or critical tone.

  • The novel is a brilliant piece of satire, highlighting the absurdities of political life.
  • The play uses satire to critique the corruption in government.

Examples of usage

  • The improv group had the audience in stitches with their hilarious improvisation.

Translations

Translations of the word "improvisation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 improvisação

🇮🇳 अचानक प्रदर्शन

🇩🇪 Improvisation

🇮🇩 improvisasi

🇺🇦 імпровізація

🇵🇱 improwizacja

🇯🇵 即興

🇫🇷 improvisation

🇪🇸 improvisación

🇹🇷 doğaçlama

🇰🇷 즉흥

🇸🇦 ارتجال

🇨🇿 improvizace

🇸🇰 improvizácia

🇨🇳 即兴

🇸🇮 improvizacija

🇮🇸 spuni

🇰🇿 импровизация

🇬🇪 იმპროვიზაცია

🇦🇿 improvizasiya

🇲🇽 improvisación

Etymology

The term 'improvisation' originated from the Latin word 'improvisus', which means 'unforeseen' or 'unexpected'. The concept of improvisation has been present throughout history in various forms, from music and theatre to everyday life. Improvisation allows for spontaneity, creativity, and adaptation, making it a valuable skill in many disciplines.

See also: improvised.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,485, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.