have the better of

Variant of better

better 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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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