improvvisare

Improvvisare is the Italian infinitive of the verb meaning to improvise: to create or perform something on the spot, without prior planning. The term is used across arts and everyday speech to indicate spontaneity or adaptation in response to new information or circumstances. It encompasses actions such as composing a melody, delivering a speech, acting in a scene, solving a problem, or making decisions without a fixed script or plan. The noun usually used to refer to the practice is improvvisazione; the related noun improvvisatore refers to a person who improvises.

The verb can be used transitively (improvvisare una scena, un discorso) or in reflexive form as improvvisarsi, which denotes suddenly becoming or presenting oneself as something (si è improvvisato cantante). In music and theater, improvvisare often relies on conventions, cues, or a guiding framework, with performance emerging from creative choices in the moment. In non-art contexts, it can describe adapting plans or solutions to unforeseen conditions.

Conjugation follows the regular -are pattern of Italian verbs: io improvviso, tu improvvisi, lui/lei improvvisa, noi improvvisiamo, voi improvvisate, loro improvvisano.