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improvisation

improvisation

29 5.6
An act of making or doing something quickly without a plan to solve a problem
  • noun
  • /ˌɪmprəvaɪˈzeɪʃən/
translation icon : improvisación
  • During the theater class, we explored the art of improvisation by creating scenes on the spot.
  • jazz improvisation
  • music improvisation
  • improvisation skills

So this is like a semi rhythmic kind of improvisation.

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Examples

  • Among musicians and their audiences, the word improvisation is much in vogue these days.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Theater students had the unique opportunity to use improvisation as a dramatic technique.

    Academic text (2011)
  • And that improvisation, I think, served me well.

  • And his choice around that improvisation felt very personal to you.

  • To allow room for improvisation is to allow room for error.

  • Acting as patients allowed theater students to practice improvisation skills in an applied theater setting.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Originally associated with jazz and later rock music, improvisation is now a valued part of the music curriculum.

    Academic text (2011)
  • His musical talent, particularly his brilliance at improvisation, brought him quickly to the top of the field.

    Academic text (1999)
  • I think one of the key tenets of jazz is improvisation.

  • And that's, that's what improvisation is, is, is having a conversation, a real conversation, hopefully.

Synonyms

extemporization
vsimprovisation
9.9

The act of performing, composing, or speaking without planning beforehand

is the same meaning but is an alternative term
temporary expedient
vsimprovisation
7.2

A quick solution used for a short time until a proper fix is found

is broader including spontaneous creative performance not only short practical fixes

Antonyms

507 2.2

To think ahead and decide what to do to prepare for something

343 1.9

Making something ready for an event, activity, or use

How Spontaneous

ad-lib
1 7.7
impromptu
  • Specialized
7.9
improvisation
29 5.6
rehearsal
296 3.0

Surface Forms

improvisation singular

Morphology

improvisation = improvise (transparent) = improvise + ation

Formed by the verb 'improvise' plus the productive nominalizing suffix '-ation', so the noun denotes the act or result of improvising.

Etymology

Improvisation comes from old parts: im- meaning 'not' and the same root as provide meaning 'to make ready'. So an improvisation is something you make without planning, done right on the spot.