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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Improve \Im*prove"\, verb (used with an object) [imp. & p. p. {Improved}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Improving}.] [Pref. in- in + prove, in approve. See {Approve}, {Prove.}]
1. To make better; to increase the value or good qualities of; to ameliorate by care or cultivation; as, to improve land. --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 utilize; as, to improve one's time; to improve his means. --Shak.
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.
How doth the little busy bee Improve each shining hour. --I. Watts.
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; to augment or add to; -- said with reference to what is bad. [R.]
We all have, I fear, . . . not a little improved the wretched inheritance of our ancestors. --Bp. Porteus.
Syn: To better; meliorate; ameliorate; advance; heighten; mend; correct; rectify; amend; reform.
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Improving \Im*prov"ing\, adjective Tending to improve, beneficial; growing better. -- {Im*prov"ing*ly}, adverb
{Improving lease} (Scots Law), an extended lease to induce the tenant to make improvements on the premises.
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
improving
adjective: getting higher or more vigorous; "its an up market"; "an improving economy" [syn: {up}]
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Definitions retrieved from local copies of the freely distributed DICT client/server software and databases. Click here for database copyright information. - KM |