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ad-lib

[/ˈæd lɪb/]
verb/noun/adjectivepl: ad-libs
improviso/improvisar
1. (verb) To speak, perform, or act without preparation or written script; to improvise
The actor had to ad-lib when he forgot his lines.
O ator teve que improvisar quando esqueceu suas falas.
2. (noun) Something said or done without preparation; an improvisation
His funny ad-lib got a big laugh from the audience.
Seu improviso engraçado arrancou uma grande risada do público.
3. (adjective) Done or said without preparation; improvised
She gave an ad-lib speech at the wedding reception.
Ela fez um discurso improvisado na recepção do casamento.
NYC Slang
wing it
Synonyms
improviseextemporizemake upwing itplay it by ear
Antonyms
rehearsepreparescript

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
improvisar/improviso
Most common and widely understood across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
improvisar
Standard usage with colloquial acceptance
São Paulo
improvisar/ad-lib
Both terms used; ad-lib occasionally used in entertainment contexts
Portugal
improvisar/improviso
Standard Portuguese translation; ad-lib less common

Related Idioms & Phrases

play it by ear
think on your feet
go off-script
make it up as you go along
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