improvise
Translation
to improvise, to ad-lib, to extemporize
Examples
The actor had to improvise his lines.
The actor had to improvise his lines.
I had to improvise a meal with what I had.
I had to improvise a meal with what I had.
Grammar Patterns
to improvise ((sth.)) to create or perform sth. spontaneously The actor had to improvise his lines.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ad-lib, extemporize, wing it (informal)
Etymology
From Latin im- ('not') + pro- ('before') + visus ('to see'). It means 'to do something without having seen or planned it before'.
Memory Tips
Break it down: 'im-' (not) + 'pro' (before) + 'vise' (from 'videre', to see). You do it without seeing it beforehand.