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improving

   Also found in: Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 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.improvingimproving - getting higher or more vigorous; "its an up market"; "an improving economy"
rising - advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status; "a rising trend"; "a rising market"
Translations
improving [ɪmˈpruːvɪŋ] ADJ [book, programme] → edificante, instructivo
improving
adjinformativ, lehrreich; book alsobildend; (= morally improving)erbaulich
improving [ɪmˈpruːvɪŋ] adj (book) → edificante
improving [ɪmˈpruːvɪŋ] adj (book) → edificante


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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
Rushworth was returned with his head full of the subject, and very eager to be improving his own place in the same way; and though not saying much to the purpose, could talk of nothing else.
It enjoins him to be careful, and cut his work into as thin slices as possible, inasmuch as by so doing the business of boiling out the oil is much accelerated, and its quantity considerably increased, besides perhaps improving it in quality.
He does not draw himself, indeed, but he has great pleasure in seeing the performances of other people, and I assure you he is by no means deficient in natural taste, though he has not had opportunities of improving it.
 
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