First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1better
adjective bet·ter \ˈbe-tər\
: higher in quality
: more skillful
: more attractive, appealing, effective, useful, etc.
Full Definition of BETTER
comparative of good
1
: greater than half <for the better part of an hour>
2
: improved in health or mental attitude <feeling better>
3
: more attractive, favorable, or commendable <in better circumstances>
4
: more advantageous or effective <a better solution>
5
: improved in accuracy or performance <building a better engine>
See better defined for English-language learners
See better defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of BETTER
Middle English bettre, from Old English betera; akin to Old English bōt remedy, Sanskrit bhadra fortunate
2better
verb
: to make (something) better
: to be or do better than (something or someone) : to improve on (something or someone)
Full Definition of BETTER
transitive verb
1
: to make better: as a : to make more tolerable or acceptable <trying to better the lot of slum dwellers> b : to make more complete or perfect <looked forward to bettering her acquaintance with the new neighbors>
2
: to surpass in excellence : excel
intransitive verb
: to become better
See better defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BETTER
before 12th century
Related to BETTER
Synonym Discussion of BETTER
improve, better, help, ameliorate mean to make more acceptable or to bring nearer a standard. improve and better are general and interchangeable and apply to what can be made better whether it is good or bad <measures to further improve the quality of medical care> <immigrants hoping to better their lot>. help implies a bettering that still leaves room for improvement <a coat of paint would help that house>. ameliorate implies making more tolerable or acceptable conditions that are hard to endure <tried to ameliorate the lives of people in the tenements>.
3better
adverb
: in a better way
—used to suggest that something should or should not be done
: to a higher or greater degree
Full Definition of BETTER
comparative of well
1
a : in a more excellent manner <sings better than I do> b : to greater advantage : preferably <some things are better left unsaid>
2
a : to a higher or greater degree <he knows the story better than you do> b : more <it is better than nine miles to the next town>
See better defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BETTER
12th century
4better
noun
: something that is better : better behavior
Full Definition of BETTER
1
a : something better <I expected better from them> b : a superior especially in merit or rank <was respectful of his betters>
See better defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BETTER
12th century
5better
verbal auxiliary
Definition of BETTER
: had better <you better hurry>
First Known Use of BETTER
1831
BETTERING Defined for Kids
1better
adjective bet·ter \ˈbe-tər\
Definition of BETTER for Kids
comparative of good
1
: more satisfactory or skillful than another <a better solution> <a better player>
2
: improved in health <I was sick but now I'm better.>
— better part
: more than half <We waited the better part of an hour.>
2better
verb
bet·teredbet·ter·ing
Definition of BETTER for Kids
: to make or become more satisfactory <They are trying to better their performance.>
3better
adverb
Definition of BETTER for Kids
comparative of well
1
: in a superior or more excellent way <He sings better than I do.>
2
: to a higher or greater degree <She knows the story better than I do.>
4better
noun
Definition of BETTER for Kids
1
: something that is more satisfactory <This is a change for the better.>
Learn More About BETTER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: Better Business BureauPrevious Word in the Dictionary: bettaAll Words Near: better
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up better? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).