improve
improve (ĭm-prvʹ) verb
improved, improving, improves
verb, transitive
1. To raise to a more desirable or more excellent quality or condition; make better.
2. To increase the productivity or value of (land or property).
3. To put to good use; use profitably.
verb, intransitive
1. To become better.
2. To make beneficial additions or changes: improve on the translation.
[Middle English improwen, to enclose land for cultivation, from Anglo-Norman emprouwer, to turn to profit : Old French en-, causative pref. (from Latin in). See in-2 + prou, profit (from Late Latin prōde, advantageous). See proud.]
Synonyms: improve, better, help, ameliorate. These verbs mean to advance to a more desirable, valuable, or excellent state. Improve and better, the most general terms, are often interchangeable: improve (or better) the mind through study; had a haircut to improve (or better) his appearance; practicing to improve (or better) her golf game. It is sometimes difficult for disadvantaged people to improve (or better) their situation in life. Help in this sense usually implies limited relief or change for the better: Gargling helps a sore throat. To ameliorate is to improve or better circumstances that demand change: Volunteers could do little to ameliorate conditions in the refugee camp.