improve

"Improve" is a very common and useful English verb. It has a couple of closely related meanings, all centered around the idea of something becoming better or making something better.

1verbto become better

When something changes and reaches a higher quality, level, or condition than before, it improves. Think of it like a plant growing — it starts small and gets bigger and stronger over time. The same idea applies to skills, health, situations, and more.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

Her English has improved a lot since she started watching movies in English.

The weather improved after a week of heavy rain.

His grades improved when he started studying every evening.

2verbto make something better

You can also use 'improve' when a person actively does something to raise the quality of something else. Here, you are the one causing the change — you are putting in effort to make something go from good (or bad) to better.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The company hired new staff to improve its customer service.

You can improve your writing by reading more books.

They repainted the walls to improve the appearance of the room.

3verbto improve on something

When you 'improve on' something, you do it better than a previous version or attempt — either your own or someone else's. It is like beating a record or doing a better job the second time around.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The new phone improves on the previous model with a longer battery life.

She tried to improve on her last performance at the competition.

It will be hard to improve on such a well-written report.