improvisation

Everyday

1. Making something up on the spot, without a script or plan — in music, drama or speech. tree →
2. Using whatever you have to solve a problem quickly when you lack the proper things. tree →
3. A piece of music, drama or speech made up in the moment. tree →

In the lessons

In drama lessons, improvisation (often «improv») means acting a scene without lines; in music, jazz players improvise solos. In everyday life and outdoor survival, improvisation means using a jumper as a pillow or a stick as a splint. Phrases: improv, drama improvisation, jazz improvisation, a bit of improvisation.

Examples

• In drama we did an improvisation about getting lost at the zoo. tree →
• Jazz musicians are famous for improvisation. tree →
• When the tent pole broke, Dad's improvisation was a long branch. tree →
• The speech was pure improvisation; she had no notes. tree →
• Improv games help you think quickly. tree →
• Our band's best song started as an improvisation. tree →

Note

Verb: «improvise». Short form «improv» (informal, especially US). Countable when it is one piece; uncountable for the skill. Spelling: improvis-ation, not «improvization» in the UK; US also uses improvisation.