better
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1bet·ter
adjective \ˈbe-tər\1
: greater than half <for the better part of an hour>
2
: improved in health or mental attitude <feeling better>
3
: more attractive, favorable, or commendable <in better circumstances>
4
: more advantageous or effective <a better solution>
5
: improved in accuracy or performance <building a better engine>
See Examples of BETTER
- Her second book is better than her first one.
- This one is no better than that one.
- She's a better golfer than I am.
- He's a better singer than he is an actor.
- He's much better with children now that he's a father himself.
- The weather is better today than it was yesterday.
- They came up with a better solution to the problem.
- Don't you have something better to do than to watch TV all day?
- Her work wasn't that good at first, but it's getting better.
- Her work just keeps getting better and better.
Origin of BETTER
Middle English bettre, from Old English betera; akin to Old English bōt remedy, Sanskrit bhadra fortunate
First Known Use: before 12th century
2better
verbDefinition of BETTER
transitive verb
1
: to make better: as a : to make more tolerable or acceptable <trying to better the lot of slum dwellers> b : to make more complete or perfect <looked forward to bettering her acquaintance with the new neighbors>
2
: to surpass in excellence : excel
intransitive verb
: to become better
Examples of BETTER
- They are trying to better the lives of working people.
- He looked forward to bettering his acquaintance with the new neighbors.
- The team has bettered its chances of winning the championship.
- She bettered her previous performance.
- He set a record that has never been equaled or bettered.
First Known Use of BETTER
before 12th century
Related to BETTER
3better
adverbDefinition of BETTER
comparative of well
1
a : in a more excellent manner <sings better than I do> b : to greater advantage : preferably <some things are better left unsaid>
2
a : to a higher or greater degree <he knows the story better than you do> b : more <it is better than nine miles to the next town>
Examples of BETTER
- “How is she doing in school?” “She did badly at first, but now she's doing much better.”
- She sings better than I do.
- He sings better than he acts.
- “Instead of writing to her, I'm going to visit her in person.” “Even better.”
- He knows the story much better than you do.
- Her paintings have become better known in recent years.
- There's nothing I'd like better than to see you again.
First Known Use of BETTER
12th century
Related to BETTER
- Synonyms
- more
4better
nounDefinition of BETTER
1
a : something better <I expected better from them> b : a superior especially in merit or rank <was respectful of his betters>
Examples of BETTER
- They shouldn't treat him that way. He deserves better.
- <be polite to your betters and to your inferiors in equal measure>
First Known Use of BETTER
12th century
5better
verbal auxiliaryDefinition of BETTER
: had better <you better hurry>
First Known Use of BETTER
1831
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Previous Word in the Dictionary: betta
All Words Near: better
Previous Word in the Dictionary: betta
All Words Near: better
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