better
bet-ter · adjective
Definitions
adjective
- 1.
Comparative of "good"; of a higher quality or more desirable.
- 2.
Recovered from illness; healthier.
- 3.
Comparative of "well"; more excellently.
- 4.
To a greater degree; more.
- 5.
The superior one of two.
- 6.
Improve upon; surpass.
Phrases & expressions
- •better off — In a more advantageous position.
- •had better — Should; ought to.
- •the sooner the better — As soon as possible.
- •better late than never — It's better to do something late than not at all.
- •better safe than sorry — It's wiser to be cautious.
- •know better — Be wise enough not to do something.
- •get the better of — Defeat; overcome.
- •for better or worse — Whatever happens.
- •think better of — Reconsider and decide against.
Related words
Etymology
From Old English betera, comparative of gōd ("good"), from Proto-Germanic batizô.