Improvising: meaning, definitions and examples

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improvising

 

[ ɪmˈprɒvɪˌzaɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

creative performance

Improvising refers to the act of creating or performing spontaneously without prior preparation. This skill is commonly utilized in music, theater, and comedy, allowing individuals to adapt quickly to changes or unexpected situations.

Synonyms

ad-libbing, extemporizing, inventing, spontaneity

Examples of usage

  • She was improvising her speech at the last minute.
  • The jazz musician was known for improvising during his performances.
  • Improvising allows actors to explore their characters more deeply.
  • He enjoyed improvising during his guitar sessions.
  • The team had to improvise when the plan fell through.

Translations

Translations of the word "improvising" in other languages:

🇵🇹 improvisando

🇮🇳 अविष्कार करना

🇩🇪 improvisieren

🇮🇩 berimprovisasi

🇺🇦 імпровізуючи

🇵🇱 improwizując

🇯🇵 即興する

🇫🇷 improviser

🇪🇸 improvisando

🇹🇷 doğaçlama yapmak

🇰🇷 즉흥적으로 하다

🇸🇦 الارتجال

🇨🇿 improvizovat

🇸🇰 improvizovať

🇨🇳 即兴

🇸🇮 improvizirati

🇮🇸 útgáfa

🇰🇿 импровизация жасау

🇬🇪 იმპროვიზაცია

🇦🇿 improvizə etmək

🇲🇽 improvisando

Word origin

The word 'improvising' is derived from the Latin 'improvisus', meaning 'unforeseen'. The prefix 'im-' indicates negation, while 'provisus' comes from 'providere', which means 'to provide for'. The concept of improvisation has roots in ancient theatrical practices, where actors would often create dialogue and scenes on the spot, without a script. Over time, the term has evolved and expanded beyond theater to encompass various fields including music, dance, and public speaking. In modern usage, improvising is celebrated in genres such as jazz, where musicians take turns creating spontaneous solos, and in comedy, where performers may engage in unscripted interactions with their audience. The notion of being able to adapt and create on the fly has become a valued skill in many professional and artistic contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,183, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.