improvise
IM-pruh-vyze
/ˈɪmprəvaɪz/
To create or perform something spontaneously without preparation.
Emphasizes making do with whatever materials or tools are immediately available in the moment.
The story behind the word. From Latin improvisus 'unforeseen, unexpected,' from in- (not) + provisus (foreseen), from providere (to foresee). When you improvise, you act without the benefit of foresight, making it up as you go.
Word relationships
- extemporize: Extemporize is more formal and usually refers specifically to speaking or performing music without preparation.
- premeditate: Premeditate means to plan or think out a solution beforehand.
Commonly confused with
- adapt: Adapt is a broad term for changing to fit conditions; improvise is a rapid, spontaneous act of creation.
Word family
- improvisation (noun): The act of improvising.
- improvisational (adjective): Relating to improvisation.
Collocations
- improvise a solution
- forced to improvise
- improvise jazz
Idioms & expressions
- play it by ear
- wing it
Example sentences
- "When the projector failed, the speaker had to improvise her entire presentation using a whiteboard." Public speaking emergency
Memory hook
If you cannot 'provide' a plan, you must 'improvise' in the moment. No vision ahead, make it up now.
When not to use
Do not use if you had a plan and followed it; improvise requires spontaneity and lack of preparation.
Fun facts
- Improvisational theater (improv) has strict rules, the most famous of which is 'Yes, and...', requiring actors to accept whatever their partner says and build on it.
Explore more words
improvisation, impromptu, spontaneous, provisional, impulsive, extemporaneous
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