improve
- 01 A1 Beginner
to make something better or more useful.
to enhance the quality, value, or condition of something. Transitive — takes a direct object.
Simple“The city plans to improve the local parks by adding new benches.”
In context“The management team implemented several new protocols designed to improve communication between the regional offices and the headquarters.”
PitfallI want to improve my English level. I want to improve my English.You improve a skill or a language directly; adding 'level' is often redundant in this context.
- 02 A1 Beginner
to get better at something or to show progress.
to become better in quality or condition. Intransitive — does not take a direct object.
Simple“Her health began to improve after she started the new medicine.”
In context“Economic conditions in the region are expected to improve significantly once the new trade agreement is ratified next year.”
Antonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
to use an opportunity or time in a very productive way.
to turn a situation or period of time to profitable account. Often used in the phrase 'improve the occasion'.
Simple“He sought to improve every spare moment by reading classic literature.”
In context“The preacher took the opportunity to improve the occasion, delivering a moral lesson to the gathered crowd.”
Usage improve outcomes · improve conditions · improve human
From Anglo-Norman emprouwer, from Old French en- + prou (“profit”), from Vulgar Latin prode (“advantageous, profitable”).
From Latin improbō (“disapprove, reject”). Doublet of improbate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.