transitive verb improved -·proved′, improving -·prov′·ing

1. Now Rare to use profitably or to good advantage to improve one's leisure by studying
2. to raise to a better quality or condition; make better
3. ☆ to make (land or structures) more valuable by cultivation, construction, etc.

Etymology: earlier improw < Anglo-Fr emprower < en-, in + prou, gain, advantage < LL prode, advantage (back-form. < L prodesse, to be of advantage): see pro- & is

intransitive verb