Improvise
/ˈɪm.prə.vaɪz/
Definitions
To make or do something using whatever is available, typically without planning or preparation.
/ˈɪm.prə.vaɪz/
To create or perform something spontaneously or without preparation.
The comedian had to improvise when the microphone stopped working.
💡 Simply: When you *improvise*, you're making stuff up on the spot, like when you don't have ingredients and have to use what's in the fridge to make dinner. It's like, "Okay, no plan, let's just go with it!"
👶 For kids: To make something up as you go along, without any plans.
More Examples
The band will improvise during the instrumental break.
We had to improvise a solution to the unexpected problem.
How It's Used
"The jazz musician improvised a solo during the performance."
"The actors had to improvise when they forgot their lines."
"We had to improvise a meal when the electricity went out."
Idioms & expressions
Improvise on the spot
To quickly create or perform something without planning or rehearsal.
"The speaker had to improvise on the spot when they realized their notes were missing."
To wing it
To improvise or do something without preparation or planning.
"I didn't have time to study, so I just had to wing it on the test."
From Italian *improvvisare* (to improvise), from *improvviso* (unforeseen). The word entered English in the late 18th century, initially used in the context of music and performance.
Used since the late 1700s, initially in reference to music and theatre. It has since expanded to encompass various contexts where spontaneous action is required.
Memory tip
Imagine you're in a talent show and suddenly your microphone breaks! You have to quickly improvise a new performance to save the day.