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.
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. 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.
