improving

UK: ɪmˈpruːvɪŋ | US: ɪmˈpruːvɪŋ

Definition

  1. v. (present participle of improve)

    1. Making something better in quality or condition.
    1. Becoming better in skill, performance, or health.
Structure
im <in, towards>prove <test, approve>ing <present participle suffix>
Etymology

The word improve originates from the Anglo-French emprouwer (to turn to profit), derived from Latin in (towards) + prode (advantage). Over time, prode merged with probus (good), leading to the modern sense of "making better." The suffix -ing marks the present participle form, indicating ongoing action. The morpheme prove here retains its archaic sense of "testing" or "approving," reflecting the word’s historical link to proving worth or value.

Examples

  1. She is improving her Spanish by practicing daily.

  2. The team’s performance has been steadily improving.

  3. His health is improving after the surgery.

  4. The software update focuses on improving user experience.

  5. They are improving the design based on customer feedback.