Word
improve
Phoneticsim·prove, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɹuv/
UK/ɪmpɹˈuːv/
Definitions
01to make something better
A1 · Beginner
v. to make something better or more useful.
v. to enhance the quality, value, or condition of something. Transitive — takes a direct object.
日本語:改善する※
“The city plans to improve the local parks by adding new benches.”
“The management team implemented several new protocols designed to improve communication between the regional offices and the headquarters.”
Pitfall
I 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.
02to become better
A1 · Beginner
v. to get better at something or to show progress.
v. to become better in quality or condition. Intransitive — does not take a direct object.
日本語:上達する※
“Her health began to improve after she started the new medicine.”
“Economic conditions in the region are expected to improve significantly once the new trade agreement is ratified next year.”
Antonyms
03to use for a good purpose
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Formal
v. to use an opportunity or time in a very productive way.
v. to turn a situation or period of time to profitable account. Often used in the phrase 'improve the occasion'.
“He sought to improve every spare moment by reading classic literature.”
“The preacher took the opportunity to improve the occasion, delivering a moral lesson to the gathered crowd.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “improve” in context.
Etymology
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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/improve
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0