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Improvable

   Also found in: Wikipedia 0.03 sec.
im·prove  (m-prv)
v. im·proved, im·prov·ing, im·proves
v.tr.
1. To raise to a more desirable or more excellent quality or condition; make better.
2. To increase the productivity or value of (land or property).
3. To put to good use; use profitably.
v.intr.
1. To become better.
2. 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 prde, advantageous; see proud).]

im·prova·ble adj.
im·prova·bly adv.
Synonyms: improve, better1, help, ameliorate
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.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Adj.1.improvable - susceptible of improvement
corrigible - capable of being corrected or set right; "a corrigible defect"; "a corrigible prisoner"


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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
That time which we really improve, or which is improvable, is neither past, present, nor future.
The young woman was very improvable, and spoke the languages; and wouldn't have been known for the same country-person.
In our own country, where it has not, until within these later days, been a very popular fashion with governments to display any extraordinary regard for the great mass of the people or to recognise their existence as improvable creatures, private charities, unexampled in the history of the earth, have arisen, to do an incalculable amount of good among the destitute and afflicted.
 
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