improve

verb (used with object), im·proved, im·prov·ing.

1. to bring into a more desirable or excellent condition: He took vitamins to improve his health.
2. to make (land) more useful, profitable, or valuable by enclosure, cultivation, etc.
3. to increase the value of (real property) by betterments, as the construction of buildings and sewers.
4. to make good use of; turn to account: He improved the stopover by seeing a client with offices there.

verb (used without object), im·proved, im·prov·ing.

5. to increase in value, excellence, etc.; become better: The military situation is improving.
6. to make improvements, as by revision, addition, or change: None of the younger violinists have been able to improve on his interpretation of that work.

verb

1. to make or become better in quality; ameliorate
2. (tr) to make (buildings, land, etc) more valuable by additions or betterment
3. (intr; usually foll by on or upon) to achieve a better standard or quality in comparison (with)to improve on last year’s crop

noun

4. on the improve Australian informal improving

v.

late 15c., “to use to one’s profit, to increase (income),” from Anglo-French emprouwer “to turn to profit” (late 13c.), from Old French en-, causative prefix, + prou “profit,” from Latin prode “advantageous” (see proud). Spelling with -v- was rare before 17c. Meaning “to raise to a better quality or condition” first recorded 1610s. Phrase improve the occasion retains the etymological sense. Meaning “to turn land to profit” (by clearing it, erecting buildings, etc.) was in Anglo-French (13c.) and was retained in the American colonies.