know better
Definition of know better
1 : to be smart or sensible enough not to do something You walked home alone? Don't you know better (than that)? She'll know better than to trust them again. There's no excuse for his behavior. He's old enough to know better. Don't blame him. He's just a child and he doesn't know (any) better.
2 : to know or understand the truth about something She tried to tell me that it wasn't her fault, but I know better.
3 : to know or understand more than other people You can't tell him what to do. He always thinks that he knows better.
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Word by Word Definitions
: to perceive directly : have direct cognition of
: to have understanding of
: to recognize the nature of : discern
: knowledge
: comparative ofgood
: greater than half
: improved in health or mental attitude
: to make better (see 1better): such as
: to make more tolerable or acceptable
: to make more complete or perfect
: comparative ofwell
: in a more excellent manner
: to greater advantage : preferably
: had better (see 3better 1b)
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up know better? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!