English Explanatory Dictionary

aprimorate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To raise (something) to a better state; to elevate, to improve, to refine.

Pronunciation

əprĭm′ərāt′ /əˈpɹɪməˌɹeɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Naomi Persephone Amethyst (NaomiAmethyst)-aprimorate.wav

Word forms

aprimorate aprimorates aprimorating aprimorated apprimorate

Etymology

PIE word *h₂éd From Portuguese aprimorar + -ate (verb-forming suffix), as a mistranslation by Portuguese speakers. The earliest known use is in a 1988 Brazilian thesis (see the quotation), although it has likely been re-formed independently on multiple occasions. Aprimorar is derived from a- (causal prefix) + primor (“excellence; perfection”, from Latin prīmōris (“first”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *preh₂- (“before; in front”)) + -ar (impersonal infinitive suffix). The alternative spelling apprimorate is likely due to its resemblance to other Latinate verbs such as approve.

Synonyms

sublimate ameliorate aprimorate (non-native speakers’ English (chiefly Portuguese)) amend batten better enhance hone improve meliorate refine get better look up

Related words

aprimoration
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