improve

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im·prove / imˈproōv/ • v. make or become better: [tr.] efforts to improve relations with China and Pakistan | [as adj.] (improved) improved road and rail links | [intr.] his condition improved after glass was removed from his arm. ∎  [tr.] develop or increase in mental capacity by education or experience: I subscribed to two magazines to improve my mind. ∎  [intr.] (improve on/upon) achieve or produce something better than: they are trying to improve on the tired old style. ∎  increase the value of (real property) by renovation, construction, landscaping, etc.: [as adj.] (improved) improved property in an urban renewal project area.DERIVATIVES: im·prov·a·bil·i·ty / -ˌproōvəˈbilitē/ n.im·prov·a·ble adj.im·prov·er n.ORIGIN: early 16th cent. (as emprowe or improwe): from Anglo-Norman French emprower (based on Old French prou ‘profit,’ ultimately from Latin prodest ‘is of advantage’); -owe was changed to -ove under the influence of prove. The original sense was ‘make a profit, increase the value of’; subsequently ‘make greater in amount or degree.’

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