- Improving
- Improve Im*prove", v. t. [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.
[1913 Webster]
I love not to improve the honor of the living by impairing that of the dead. --Denham. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
We shall especially honor God by improving diligently the talents which God hath committed to us. --Barrow. [1913 Webster]
A hint that I do not remember to have seen opened and improved. --Addison. [1913 Webster]
The court seldom fails to improve the opportunity. --Blackstone. [1913 Webster]
How doth the little busy bee Improve each shining hour. --I. Watts. [1913 Webster]
Those moments were diligently improved. --Gibbon. [1913 Webster]
True policy, as well as good faith, in my opinion, binds us to improve the occasion. --Washington. [1913 Webster]
3. To advance or increase by use; to augment or add to; -- said with reference to what is bad. [R.] [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.