improvisation
/ɪmpɹəvaɪˈzeɪʃən/
improvisation means the act or art of composing and making music, poetry, and the like, extemporaneously.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, improvisation ranks #7,082 of 14,423 for Most Sublime Words, #13,440 of 14,361 for Most Ingenious Words.
improvisation is pronounced /ɪmpɹəvaɪˈzeɪʃən/.
Why “improvisation” is a great word
The spontaneous creation and performance of music, speech, or action, in real time and without a prepared script. From French improvisation, from the verb improviser ('to improvise') + the noun-forming suffix -ation; first recorded in English use 1777–1786. Unlike 'composition,' which implies the architectural planning of an artifact, or 'rehearsal,' which is the methodical preparation of a set piece, improvisation is the sudden alchemy of instinct and moment. It is the jazz solo spun from a fleeting feeling, the actor's perfect line born of an unscripted glance, or the street dancer answering the rhythm of passing footsteps—the minor, necessary art of building a raft while already on the river.
Etymology
From French improvisation. Morphologically improvise + -ation.
noun
- The act or art of composing and making music, poetry, and the like, extemporaneously“He played a quick improvisation on the keyboard.”
- That which is improvised; an impromptu.
- Musical technique, characteristic of blues music.
- The act of improvising, acting or going about something without planning ahead“The Ivorian is a player with such a liking for improvisation it does not usually look like he has any more idea than anyone else what he is going to do next, so it was an interesting choice.”
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