What does improvise mean?
Word: Improvise
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: Improvise means to make or do something on the spot, using whatever you have and without any planning.
How do you spell improvise?
Syllables: im - pro - vise
Tricky part: The last sound is a z, but the letter is s, and no other spelling is accepted for this verb.
Watch out for: improvize, improvice, improvaise
Memory tip: Surprise, exercise and improvise all refuse a z, whatever your ears may say.
Improvise in a sentence
Example 1: Out of rope, the campers had to improvise with a scarf and two sticks.
Example 2: Our drama teacher asks us to improvise a scene from any object in the bag.
Example 3: Papa forgot the tomatoes, so he had to improvise with lemon juice.
Fun Fact
In improv theatre, actors invent whole scenes on the spot, often from ideas called out by the audience.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
When the projector stopped working, our science teacher had to impravise a lesson using only a torch, a ball and a globe.
a) lesson
b) teacher
c) impravise
d) projector
Show answer
c) impravise. The second syllable has an o, the same vowel as in provide.
Mingle-Mangle
The jumbled word in the sentence hides a real word. Choose it:
The jazz trio will vsiermopi a new tune tonight at the college festival in Pune.
a) improvise
b) impoverish
c) impressive
d) supervise
Show answer
a) improvise. An m and a v with one s, and no u or h, leave a single word.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word improvise as used in the sentence:
When she forgot her speech, Sanya decided to improvise her lines and carried on smiling.
a) rehearse
b) recite
c) ad-lib
d) translate
Show answer
c) ad-lib. Speaking without a script is what ad-lib means.
Spell-o-Spell
Pick out the misspelt word in the list and choose its meaning.
1. fluorescent 2. improvise 3. manouvre 4. maintenance
a) the work of keeping something in good condition
b) a skilful movement that needs great care
c) very bright and seeming to glow in the light
d) to come up with something without preparing
Show answer
b) a skilful movement that needs great care. Manoeuvre needs an oe straight after its n.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which cook is improvising?
a) one weighing out the flour with great exactness
b) one following each step of a printed recipe card
c) one swapping yoghurt for cream when the fridge runs out
d) one watching a video and copying every move
Show answer
c) one swapping yoghurt for cream when the fridge runs out
2. A band is told to improvise the last verse. What should the players do?
a) Leave out the notes altogether
b) Repeat the notes of verse one
c) Read the notes from the sheet
d) Make up the notes as they go
Show answer
d) Make up the notes as they go
