improvisation

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   The act of creating or performing something without preparation.

   Grammar: Uncountable when talking about the activity in general; countable when referring to a specific piece.

   Patterns

   • improvisation in something
   • an improvisation on something

   The jazz band relies on improvisation.

   Her improvisation in the meeting impressed everyone.

   The comedy show was full of improvisation.

2. 2nouncountable

   A piece of music, drama, or other work created spontaneously.

   Grammar: Countable; use 'an improvisation' or 'improvisations'.

   Patterns

   • an improvisation on a theme

   The pianist played a beautiful improvisation.

   The play included several improvisations by the actors.

   His improvisation on the classic song was original.

Word forms

Common combinations

jazz improvisation

Jazz improvisation requires great skill.

a master of improvisation

She is a master of improvisation on stage.

improvisation on a theme

The composer wrote an improvisation on a folk theme.

Synonyms and how they differ

extemporization

Extemporization is a formal synonym, often used in music, while improvisation is more common in everyday speech.

ad-libbing

Ad-libbing is informal and usually refers to speaking or acting without preparation, not to music.

Opposites

Word family

improvise verb

To create or perform without preparation.

improvisational adjective

Relating to improvisation.

Commonly confused: improvisation or improvisation vs. improvement?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “improvisation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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