3 entries under this word
(im-pro͞ov'), v. t. [Prefix im and prove. Cf. Lat. improbare, Fr. improuver. See infra.] 1. To disprove or make void. [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; as, to improve negligence. [Obs.] Chapman. When he rehearsed his preachings and his doings unto the high apostles, they could improve nothing. Tyndale.
(-pro͞ov'), v. t. [imp. & p. p. IMPROVED; p. pr. & vb. n. IMPROVING.] [Prefix im and O. Fr. prover, Lat. probare, to esteem as good, Norm. Fr. prover, to improve, improwment, improving. In Latin and French the same compounds, improbare and improuver, are used in the sense of disapprove, censure, blame.] 1. To make better; to advance in value or good qualities; to ameliorate by care or cultivation; as, to improve land, talents, &c. Manure thyself, then; to thyself be improved; And with vain, outward things be no more moved. 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 use for advantage; to employ for advancing interest, reputation, or happiness. 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 opportunity. Blackstone. 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; — said with reference to what is bad. [Rare.] I fear we have not a little improved the wretched inheritance of our ancestors. Porteus. Syn. — To better; meliorate; ameliorate; advance; heighten; mend; correct; rectify.
(im-pro͞ov'), v. i. 1. To grow better; to advance or make progress in what is desirable; to make or show improvement. We take care to improve in our frugality and diligence. Atterbury. 2. To advance or progress in bad qualities; to grow worse. Domitian improved in cruelty toward the end of his reign. Milner. 3. To increase; to be enhanced; to rise; as, the price of cotton improves, or is improved. To improve on or upon, to make useful additions or amendments to; to bring nearer to perfection; as, to improve on the mode of tillage usually practiced.