improvise
/ˈɪm.prə.vaɪz/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To make or do something without planning it first, using what is available. It often means you must act quickly in a new or difficult situation.
- We had to improvise a speech at the last minute.
- She improvised with paper and tape.
- The team improvised after the plan failed.
Adinary Nuance
Improvise is close to "make do," "wing it," and "manage," but it adds the idea of creating something on the spot. Use "make do" when you cope with limited resources, and "wing it" when you speak or act without preparation. "Improvise" sounds more neutral and is common in both everyday speech and formal writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ứng biến
- Spanish
- improvisar
- Chinese
- 临时发挥
- Japanese
- 即興する
- Korean
- 즉흥적으로 하다
Etymology
Improvise came into English in the 17th century from French improviser, based on Latin improvisus, meaning “unexpected” or “unforeseen.”
Common phrases
improvise a solutionimprovise on the spotimprovise with what you haveimprovise under pressure
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is improvise formal or informal?
- It is neutral. You can use it in everyday speech, business writing, and academic contexts.
- What is the difference between improvise and wing it?
- Both mean to act without preparation. "Wing it" is more casual and spoken.
- Can I say improvise with something?
- Yes. For example, "We improvised with cardboard and string."
- Is improvise a common IELTS word?
- Yes. It is useful for speaking and writing when you describe solving problems quickly.