Improvises

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Creates or carries out an action or performance on the spot without prior planning
2. Produces or invents something spontaneously in response to an immediate situation
3. Performs or devises something without preparation using available resources or ideas

Etymology: "Improvises" is the third-person singular present form of "improvise," so the verb itself is the story here. "Improvise" came into English from French "improviser," and the French verb traces back to Latin "improvisus," meaning "unforeseen" or "unexpected." The Latin word is built from "in-," meaning "not," and "provisus," the past participle of "providere," "to foresee." Its literal sense is therefore "not foreseen," which is why the modern meaning of making something up on the spot fits so neatly into it. The English word is not related to "improve," despite the similar spelling. "Improve" descends from a different source, so the two only look alike by chance.

Synonyms: ad-libs, extemporizes, devise, contrives, creates

Antonyms: rehearse, plan, prepare, script, organize