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.
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 oppotunity.
--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; recify; amend; reform.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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