improvise

Everyday

1. To make or do something without planning, using whatever is available. tree →
2. To make up music, words or acting on the spot, without a script. tree →

In the lessons

In drama and music lessons pupils improvise a scene or a tune. In everyday life and survival: improvise a tent from a sheet, improvise a bandage from a scarf. In stories it shows a clever, quick-thinking character.

Examples

• We had no ball, so we improvised with rolled-up socks. tree →
• The actors had to improvise when they forgot their lines. tree →
• She improvised a tune on the piano. tree →
• He improvised a splint from two rulers. tree →
• We improvised a tent with a blanket and chairs. tree →
• In drama we improvised a scene at the bus stop. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Noun: improvisation (informal: impro or improv). Spelling: -ise in the UK, Australia and NZ; also -ise in the USA (improvise is never -ize).