Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

im·prove       (ĭm-prōōv')  Pronunciation Key  v.   im·proved, im·prov·ing, im·proves v.   tr. To raise to a more desirable or more excellent quality or condition; make better. To increase the productivity or value of (land or property). To put to good use; use profitably. v.   intr. To become better. To make beneficial additions or changes: improve on the translation. [Middle English improwen, to enclose land for cultivation, from Anglo-Norman emprouwer, to turn to profit : Old French en-, causative pref. (from Latin in-; see in-2) + Old French prou, profit (from Late Latin prōde, advantageous; see proud).] im·prov'a·ble adj., im·prov'a·bly adv. Synonyms: These verbs mean to advance to a more desirable, valuable, or excellent state. Improve and better, the most general terms, are often interchangeable: You can improve (or better) your mind through study; I got a haircut to improve (or better) my appearance. Help usually implies limited relief or change: Gargling helps a sore throat. To ameliorate is to improve circumstances that demand change: Volunteers were able to ameliorate conditions in the refugee camp.

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
improve 

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

improve
verb
1.	to make better; "The editor improved the manuscript with his changes" [syn: better] [ant: aggravate]
2.	get better; "The weather improved toward evening" [syn: better] [ant: decline]

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Improve

Im*prove"\, v. t. [Pref. im- not + prove: cf. L. improbare, F. improuver.]

1. To disprove or make void; to refute. [Obs.]

Neither can any of them make so strong a reason which another can not improve. --Tyndale.

2. To disapprove; to find fault with; to reprove; to censure; as, to improve negligence. [Obs.] --Chapman.

When he rehearsed his preachings and his doing unto the high apostles, they could improve nothing. --Tyndale.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Improve

Im*prove"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Improved; p. pr. & vb. n. Improving.] [Pref. in- in + prove, in approve. See Approve, Prove.]

1. To make better; to increase the value or good qualities of; to ameliorate by care or cultivation; as, to improve land. --Donne.

I love not to improve the honor of the living by impairing that of the dead. --Denham.

2. To use or employ to good purpose; to make productive; to turn to profitable account; to utilize; as, to improve one's time; to improve his means. --Shak.

We shall especially honor God by improving diligently the talents which God hath committed to us. --Barrow.

A hint that I do not remember to have seen opened and improved. --Addison.

The court seldom fails to improve the oppotunity. --Blackstone.

How doth the little busy bee Improve each shining hour. --I. Watts.

Those moments were diligently improved. --Gibbon.

True policy, as well as good faith, in my opinion, binds us to improve the occasion. --Washington.

3. To advance or increase by use; to augment or add to; -- said with reference to what is bad. [R.]

We all have, I fear, . . . not a little improved the wretched inheritance of our ancestors. --Bp. Porteus.

Syn: To better; meliorate; ameliorate; advance; heighten; mend; correct; recify; amend; reform.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Improve

Im*prove"\, v. i. 1. To grow better; to advance or make progress in what is desirable; to make or show improvement; as, to improve in health.

We take care to improve in our frugality and diligence. --Atterbury.

2. To advance or progress in bad qualities; to grow worse. "Domitain improved in cruelty." --Milner.

3. To increase; to be enhanced; to rise in value; as, the price of cotton improves.

To improve on or upon, to make useful additions or amendments to, or changes in; to bring nearer to perfection; as, to improve on the mode of tillage.