Words
develop vs improve — building it vs making it better
A side-by-side comparison of meaning, examples, and nuance.
develop
/dɪˈveləp/
grow, create gradually
To grow or make something grow over time.
improve
/ɪmˈpruːv/
make or become better
To make something better or to become better.
Core difference
"Develop" is about creating or growing something new — a product, skill, or idea: "They developed a new app." "Improve" is about making something that already exists better: "I want to improve my pronunciation." Building → develop; polishing → improve.
Translations of develop and improve in 14 languages
| Language | develop | improve |
|---|---|---|
| 한국어 | 발전시키다, 개발하다 | 향상시키다, 나아지다 |
| English | grow, create gradually | make or become better |
| 简体中文 | 发展，开发 | 改善，提高 |
| 繁體中文 | 發展，開發 | 改善，提升 |
| 日本語 | 発展させる、開発する | 改善する、上達する |
| Tiếng Việt | phát triển | cải thiện, tiến bộ |
| Português | desenvolver | melhorar |
| Français | développer | améliorer, s’améliorer |
| Deutsch | entwickeln | verbessern, sich verbessern |
| Español | desarrollar | mejorar |
| Монгол | хөгжүүлэх | сайжруулах |
| Bahasa Indonesia | mengembangkan | meningkatkan, membaik |
| Bahasa Melayu | membangunkan | memperbaiki, bertambah baik |
| ไทย | พัฒนา | ปรับปรุง, พัฒนา |
Master English with Smoveth
Learn this word with AI images and remember it with science-backed review.
AI image learning
Remember intuitively with an AI-generated image for each word.
SRS smart review
Move vocabulary into long-term memory with spaced repetition.
Random word practice
Practice freely with level-based random words.
"I used to struggle with English, but it's amazing to gradually start understanding" — L*J
Save up to 500 words/sentences for free + AI generation credits