I need a word?

Question

I am trying to think of a word to put in my paper that means to make better. Specifically to make something better for yourself.

Answer 1

improve, ameliorate, revitalize, rejuvenate, rework?

Answer 2

I think 'improve' is the most common one. "I think I can improve on this."

Dictionary.com has improved its site recently, and includes a thesaurus. I use a thesaurus a lot because I write and sometimes I want a certain shade of meaning and can't think of just the right word,,, so I look up, to use your example "better" and it will list a few similar words. I put it on my favorites, so I can get to it quickly when I need it... I have it up on a second window right now. Ignore the large ad, the menu is in the blue section on top.

http://dictionary.reference.com/

I also use, for word study an etymological online dictionary - that tells me the origins and roots of words.

http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=permanent

I know, I'm giving all the other answerers my trade secrets,, but know that just copying somethiing or giving the link without some explanatory text won't get the Best Answer,,, or shouldn't.

Answer 3

improved
enhansed
changed for the better
excel
surpas

Here is a clue there is a book called a Thesaurus where you can look a word and find words like it and also the opposite of it.
If you have microsoft word you can to there on an empty page and type in a word, click on it and you will get definations, synomins etc.

One of the key things about education is learning how to find the information that you need. And........it is the best to not depend on Yahoo Answers for all the answers in your life.

Answer 4

If you are typing your paper in Microsoft just click on the word and press SHIFT and F7 at the same time and you will get an instant thesaurus=ton of words that roughly have the same meanings.

Answer 5

Enhance
Progress
Improve
Develop

Answer 6

improve, enhance, develop, perfect, expand, enrich, upgrade, further.

It really depends on the context, but there are a bunch.

Answer 7

add to, adorn, aggrandize, amplify, appreciate, augment, beautify, boom, boost, build up, complement, elevate, embellish, embroider, enlarge, exaggerate, exalt, heighten, increase, intensify, lift, magnify, optimize, raise up, reinforce, strengthen, swell, upgrade

Answer 8

self gratification
I know it is two words but they fill the bill.

Answer 9

improve, edify, refine, upgrade, evolve, progress, uplift, enhance

Answer 10

improve