Improvise: meaning, definitions and examples
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improvise
[ ˈɪmprəˌvaɪz ]
music
Create and perform (music, drama, or verse) spontaneously or without preparation.
Synonyms
impromptu, spontaneous, unrehearsed.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
improvise |
This word is used when someone creates or performs something on the spot without preparation.
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spontaneous |
This word is used for actions or events that occur naturally and without planning, often implying a positive or free spirit.
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unrehearsed |
This word signifies that something has not been practiced before, often used for speeches, performances, or actions.
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impromptu |
This word describes something done without being planned, often used for performances or speeches.
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Examples of usage
- He was known for his ability to improvise on the piano during jazz performances.
- She had to improvise a song on the spot when the microphone stopped working.
- The band members often improvise during their live concerts.
conversation
Make something up or invent something on the spot.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
improvise |
Used when making or doing something without preparation, often on the spot or in response to an unexpected situation.
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invent |
Used when creating something new, especially something unique or innovative, often related to new ideas or technology.
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create |
Used when making something new or bringing something into existence, often with planning and creativity.
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fabricate |
Used when making up something that is not true or constructing something, often with the implication of deception.
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Examples of usage
- When he forgot his speech, he had to improvise and come up with something to say.
- She had to improvise a story to explain why she was late.
- During the interview, he had to improvise answers to unexpected questions.
Translations
Translations of the word "improvise" in other languages:
🇵🇹 improvisar
🇮🇳 आविष्कार करना
🇩🇪 improvisieren
🇮🇩 mengimprovisasi
🇺🇦 імпровізувати
🇵🇱 improwizować
🇯🇵 即興する (sokkyou suru)
🇫🇷 improviser
🇪🇸 improvisar
🇹🇷 doğaçlama yapmak
🇰🇷 즉흥적으로 하다 (jeukhengjeogeuro hada)
🇸🇦 يرتجل (yartajil)
🇨🇿 improvizovat
🇸🇰 improvizovať
🇨🇳 即兴创作 (jíxìng chuàngzuò)
🇸🇮 improvizirati
🇮🇸 spinna upp
🇰🇿 импровизация жасау
🇬🇪 იმპროვიზაცია (improvizatsia)
🇦🇿 improvizasiya etmək
🇲🇽 improvisar
Etymology
The word 'improvise' originated from the Latin word 'improvisus', which means 'unforeseen'. The term was first used in the 1820s in English to describe the act of creating or performing spontaneously. Improvisation has been a key element in various art forms such as music, theater, and dance, allowing artists to express themselves creatively in the moment without prior preparation.
See also: improv, improvable, improve, improved, improvement, improvements, improver, improving.