improvisation
/ˌɪmprəvaɪˈzeɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪmˌprɑːvəˈzeɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /(ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-shən ˌim-prə-və- also ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-/ (ame, mw)
improvisation — noun
- improvisationsingular
- improvisationsplural
1. A piece of music, a comedy scene, or a theatrical moment that the performer crea
A piece of music, a comedy scene, or a theatrical moment that the performer creates as they go along, without a script or rehearsal.
The jazz pianist amazed the crowd with a brilliant improvisation on a familiar tune.
improvisation + on [musical theme]
During the comedy show, the actress performed a hilarious improvisation after forgetting her lines.
The theatre group spent the whole workshop learning the basics of stage improvisation.
Each cast member took turns leading a short improvisation based on audience suggestions.
The drummer's solo was a pure improvisation, built from a single rhythm the bassist played.
- ad-lib
specifically about spoken lines or remarks made without preparation, often in comedy or theatre
- extemporisation
more formal; common in classical music and public-speaking contexts
文法句型
improvisation + on [theme/topic]
用法筆記
Frequently used in performing-arts contexts. Sense 1 contrasts with sense 2, which refers to practical problem-solving rather than artistic creation.
常見錯誤
2. The process of solving an unexpected problem or creating something useful using
The process of solving an unexpected problem or creating something useful using only the materials, tools, or time that happen to be available, even if they are not ideal.
With no proper tools available, the repair was a clever bit of improvisation using wire and tape.
collocation: bit of improvisation
The campers' improvisation turned an old blanket and two poles into a waterproof shelter.
Good improvisation in the kitchen means knowing which ingredients can replace the ones you have run out of.
The film crew relied on improvisation when their main lighting equipment failed to arrive on location.
The nurse's quick improvisation using a clean towel kept the wound covered until the ambulance arrived.
- makeshift solution
emphasises the temporary nature of the result rather than the creative process
- resourcefulness
a personal quality rather than an act; broader in meaning
- planning
advance arrangement with the correct tools and materials
- preparation
getting ready beforehand rather than reacting in the moment
文法句型
by improvisation
act of improvisation
用法筆記
Uncountable in this sense — you would not say 'an improvisation' when describing a practical makeshift solution. 'Bit of improvisation' or 'act of improvisation' are common countable-like expressions.
常見錯誤
3. The general ability or act of producing original words, music, ideas, or actions
The general ability or act of producing original words, music, ideas, or actions at the moment they are needed rather than planning them ahead; also a specific thing created in this manner.
The speaker's entire talk was an improvisation — she had not prepared any notes beforehand.
Learning improvisation helps children think faster and express ideas more freely in group discussions.
collocation: learning improvisation
The dance troupe's performance combined careful choreography with moments of free improvisation.
His improvisation on the guitar lasted nearly ten minutes and drew applause from the whole room.
The teacher introduced a simple improvisation exercise where students had to continue a story one sentence at a time.
- spontaneity
a personal tendency to act without planning; a quality rather than an act
- invention
suggests creating something new and original, but does not carry the idea of doing so at the last moment
- premeditation
the act of thinking through and planning something in advance
文法句型
improvisation + of [something]
用法筆記
This is the broadest sense, covering any domain — music, speech, decision-making, teaching. Distinguish from sense 1, which is limited to staged performance, and sense 2, which focuses on practical problem-solving with limited resources.