improvise

[im-pruh-vahyz]

verb (used with object)

improvised, improvising 

1. to compose and perform or deliver without previous preparation; extemporize.

   to improvise an acceptance speech.

2. to compose, play, recite, or sing (verse, music, etc.) on the spur of the moment.

3. to make, provide, or arrange from whatever materials are readily available.

   We improvised a dinner from yesterday's leftovers.

verb (used without object)

improvised, improvising 

1. to compose, utter, execute, or arrange anything extemporaneously.

   When the actor forgot his lines he had to improvise.

improvise

/ ˈɪmprəˌvaɪz /

verb

1. to perform or make quickly from materials and sources available, without previous planning

2. to perform (a poem, play, piece of music, etc), composing as one goes along

Other Word Forms

• improviser noun
• improvisor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of improvise¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from French improviser, or its source, Italian improvisare (later improvvisare ), verbal derivative of improviso “improvised,” from Latin imprōvīsus, equivalent to im- “un-” + prōvīsus, past participle of prōvidēre “to see beforehand, prepare, provide for (a future circumstance)”; im- ², proviso

Word History and Origins

Origin of improvise¹

C19: from French, from Italian improvvisare, from Latin imprōvīsus unforeseen, from _im- (not) + prōvīsus, from prōvidēre to foresee; see _provide

Example Sentences

A large crowd has gathered to enjoy the improvised rock concert.

From BBC

Some scenes are so natural as to seem improvised; others employ heavy tactics — an assaultive sound design, flash cuts — to evoke the pressure Amanda is under, from both the self-satisfied authorities and a hectoring press.

From Los Angeles Times

Stephen tucked in a couple of bread-and-butter pickles for good measure, a kind of weeknight Cuban, improvised but persuasive.

From Salon

The so-called “treasures of the seas” aren’t going to be pillaged without our help, and I soon find myself improvising sea shanties and engaging in a game of liar’s dice.

From Los Angeles Times

Washington is unsurprisingly mesmerizing, improvising small gestures and throwaway lines.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ad-lib 
• brainstorm 
• concoct 
• contrive 
• devise 
• dream up 
• invent 
• throw together