Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
verb (used with object), im·pro·vised, im·pro·vis·ing.
- to compose and perform or deliver without previous preparation; extemporize: to improvise an acceptance speech.
- to compose, play, recite, or sing (verse, music, etc.) on the spur of the moment.
- to make, provide, or arrange from whatever materials are readily available: We improvised a dinner from yesterday’s leftovers.
verb (used without object), im·pro·vised, im·pro·vis·ing.
- to compose, utter, execute, or arrange anything extemporaneously: When the actor forgot his lines he had to improvise.
verb
- to perform or make quickly from materials and sources available, without previous planning
- to perform (a poem, play, piece of music, etc), composing as one goes along
1826, back-formation from improvisation, or else from French improviser (17c.), from Italian improvisare “to sing or speak extempore,” from improviso, from Latin improvisus “unforeseen, unexpected” (see improvisation). Or possibly a back-formation from improvisation. Related: Improvised; improvising.