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better1 definition

bet·ter (bet′ər)

adjective

  1. compar. of good
  2. of a more excellent sort; surpassing another or others
  3. more suitable, more desirable, more favorable, more profitable, etc.
  4. being more than half; larger it cost the better part of her pay
  5. improved in health or disposition

Etymology: ME bettere, betere < OE betera: see best

adverb

  1. well
  2. in a more excellent manner; in a more suitable way
  3. in a higher degree; to a greater extent
  4. more it took better than an hour
  5. Informal had better (see phrase below) you better behave yourself

noun

  1. a person superior in authority, position, etc. obey your betters
  2. the thing, circumstance, action, etc. that is more excellent, more suitable, etc.
  3. advantage to get the better of a rival

transitive verb

  1. to outdo; surpass
  2. to make better; improve

intransitive verb

to become better
better Idioms

better off

  1. in a better situation or condition
  2. having more income, wealth, etc.

for the better

to a better or improved condition

get the better of

or have the better of
  1. to outdo
  2. to outwit

had better

ought to; would be prudent or wise to
better2 definition

bet·ter (bet′ər)

noun

bettor

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

idioms better idiom

better Synonyms

better

modif.

  1. Superior

    greater, finer, preferred, preferable, surpassing, excelling, improved, more suitable, more desirable, more favorable, more virtuous; see also best 1, excellent.

  2. Thought of as somewhat exclusive

    more select, of higher quality, more refined, more aloof, more noteworthy, more distinguished, more sophisticated, politer, posher*, classier*.

    Antonyms common*, vulgar*, popular. *

  3. Recovering health

    convalescent, improved in health, stronger, recovering, convalescing, improving, on the road to recovery, mending, progressing, on the mend*.

    Antonyms sick*, failing*, wasting away.

  4. Larger

    bigger, preponderant, weightier, more; see large 1, more 2.

for better or worse

regardless, in any event, no matter what happens; see anyhow 1, notwithstanding.

for the better

favorable, fortunate, resulting in improvement, to a better condition; see helpful 1, hopeful 2.

get<strong> or </strong>have the better of<strong>

outdo, overcome, defeat, outwit; see defeat 1, 2, 3, surpass, win 1.


better

v.

  1. To improve

    ameliorate, revamp, refine; see improve 1.

  2. To surpass

    outdo, improve upon, top; see exceed, surpass.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

better Usage Examples

Object

  • time: Put to better the time of for that wrong foreign oilwhich begs.

Used with why or when

  • what: My wife and I know far better what we are doing after our experience there.

Modifying Another Word

  • much: Enjoy softer, smoother hair and skin - You'll be amazed at how much better your skin and hair look and feel.
better usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

better quotes

   Along the electric wires the message came: 'He is no better, he is much the same.'

-Austin, Alfred

You are no better than you should be.

-Beaumont, Francis and Fletcher,John

It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, thanwith a brawling woman in a wide house.

-Bible (Old Testament)

better quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"better." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/better>

APA Style

better. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/better

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