Improving
/ɪmˈpruːvɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make something better; to enhance or ameliorate.
/ɪmˈpruːv/
To make or become better.
The new software update significantly improves the user experience.
💡 Simply: Like making a recipe better by adding spices or making a video game character more skilled—you're just making something better than it was before! If your aim gets better, you're improving it.
👶 For kids: To make something better! Like if you practice drawing and get better at it.
More Examples
She is constantly seeking ways to improve her health.
We need to improve the efficiency of our production process.
How It's Used
"The teacher is working to improve student test scores."
"The company needs to improve its customer service."
"She's taking a class to improve her public speaking skills."
To make good use of something for profit or advantage; to develop.
/ɪmˈpruːv/
To use something to a good purpose.
The company is trying to improve its market share.
💡 Simply: Imagine taking something you have, like land, and making it more useful—like building houses on it or planting a garden. Improving means making good use of something.
👶 For kids: To use something to make it better or more helpful. Like using your backyard to plant a garden!
More Examples
They're improving the old building to increase its value.
The project aims to improve the quality of life for residents.
How It's Used
"The farmer improved his land with new irrigation systems."
"The city is working to improve the transportation network."
From Middle English *improvien*, from Old French *emprover* (“to prove, improve”), from Vulgar Latin *inprobatiare* (“to prove, test”), from Latin *in* (“in”) + *probare* (“to prove”).
Historically used in agricultural contexts to describe the development of land or property. Over time, the meaning expanded to include more abstract concepts.
Memory tip
Imagine adding good ingredients to a recipe to make it taste better - you're improving it!
Word Origin
"to prove, improve; to make something good"