Improvise
/ˈɪm.prə.vaɪz/noun
To create or perform something spontaneously without preparation.
Did you know?The word entered English through French from the Latin improvisus, meaning “unforeseen” or “not seen beforehand,” so improvisation is literally the art of meeting the unseen.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
improvisus
“unforeseen; not seen beforehand”
Late Latin
Latin
improvisare
“to do without preparation, to act unexpectedly”
French
Old French
improviser
“to improvise, compose or perform extemporaneously”
16th Century
English
improvise
“to compose, recite, or perform without preparation”
Modern English
English
improvise
“to create or perform spontaneously without preparation”
Explore more surprising origins