better

better

better¹ [bet′ər]

adj.

[ME bettere, betere < OE betera: see BEST]

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

adv.

1. compar. of WELL²

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]

n.

1. a person superior in authority, position, etc. [obey your betters]

2. the thing, condition, circumstance, action, etc. that is more excellent, more suitable, etc.

3. advantage [to get the better of a rival]

vt.

1. to outdo; surpass

2. to make better; improve

vi.

to become better

SYN.- IMPROVE

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better off

1. in a better situation or condition

2. having more income, wealth, etc.

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for the better

to a better or improved condition

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get the better of or have the better of

1. to outdo

2. to outwit

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had better

ought to; would be prudent or wise to

better² [bet′ər]

n.

alt. sp. of BETTOR