Im*prove" , v. i. 1. To
grow better; to advance or
make progress in what is desirable; to make or show
improvement; as, to improve in health.
We take care to improve in our frugality and diligence.
Atterbury. 2. To advance or progress in bad qualities; to grow worse. "Domitian
improved in cruelty."
Milner.
3. To increase; to be enhanced; to rise in value; as, the
price of cotton improves.
To improve on or upon, to make useful additions or amendments to, or changes in; to
bring nearer to perfection; as, to improve on the mode
of tillage.
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.
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.
Im*prove" (?), v. t. [Pref. im- not + prove: cf. L. improbare, F.
improuver.]
1. To disprove or make void; to
refute. [Obs.]
Neither can any of them make so strong a reason which another can not improve.
Tyndale. 2. To disapprove; to find fault with; to reprove; to censure; as, to improve negligence. [Obs.] Chapman.
When he rehearsed his preachings and his doing unto the high
apostles, they could improve nothing.
Tyndale.
Hear it pronounced