The Collaborative International Dictionary
Improve \Im*prove"\, v. i.
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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. To advance or progress in bad qualities; to grow worse. ``Domitian improved in cruelty.''
--Milner.-
To increase; to be enhanced; to rise in value; as, the price of cotton improves.
To improve on or To improve upon, to make useful additions or amendments to, or changes in; to bring nearer to perfection; as, to improve on the mode of tillage.
Usage examples of "to improve on".
Red Cloud, taking her seat before a bank of mirrors and a cabinet containing a complete array of the made-to-her-order powders, creams, ointments, lip rouge, unguents, blushes, and other magic substances waiting at her every port of call, in a futile attempt, in Gustafson's view, to improve on nature.
Though on Roman representations he is shown with two identical faces in opposite directions, it is possible to improve on that.