better
- 01 A1 Beginner
adj.of a higher standard or more suitable than something else.
adj.the comparative form of 'good', indicating superior quality, excellence, or suitability relative to another entity.
Simple“I think this new laptop is much better than my old one.”
In context“The revised proposal offers a better solution to the logistics problem than the original draft did.”
PitfallThis phone is more better than my old one. This phone is better than my old one.Better is already a comparative form; do not use 'more' with it.
- 02 A2 Elementary
adj.feeling more healthy or less ill than before.
adj.recovered from an illness, injury, or negative physical state.
Simple“I hope you feel better after you get some sleep.”
In context“The patient appeared significantly better during the morning rounds, showing improved respiratory function and higher energy levels.”
- 03 A1 Beginner
adv.to do something in a way that is more effective or successful.
adv.the comparative form of 'well', modifying a verb to indicate a higher degree of skill, effectiveness, or success.
Simple“She speaks English much better now that she lives in London.”
In context“The team performed better in the second half once they adjusted their defensive strategy to account for the opponent's speed.”
Synonymsmore effectivelyAntonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to make something better than it was before.
v.to improve the status, quality, or condition of something; often used in the context of self-improvement or breaking records.
Simple“He went back to university to better his chances of finding a job.”
In context“The athlete worked tirelessly throughout the off-season, hoping to better her personal record in the upcoming marathon.”
- 05 C1 Advanced
n.people who are higher in rank or have more authority than you.
n.those who are superior in station, rank, or intellect; typically used in the plural.
Simple“In the old days, children were taught to respect their betters.”
In context“The young clerk was cautioned to remain humble and defer to the wisdom of his betters within the firm.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.someone who risks money on the result of a race or game.
n.a person who wagers or places a bet; an alternative spelling of 'bettor'.
Simple“The horse's odds dropped as more betters placed their money on it.”
In context“Professional betters often use complex statistical models to identify value in the betting markets that the general public overlooks.”
Usage better understand · better understanding · better able
From Middle English better, bettre, betre, from Old English betera (“better”), from Proto-West Germanic batiʀō, from Proto-Germanic batizô (“better”), from Proto-Indo-European bʰed-rós, from bʰed- (“good”). Cognate with Sanskrit भद्र (bhadrá, “blessed, fortunate, happy, good”) (from bʰn̥d-ró-s). For Germanic cognates: see Proto-Germanic batizô. Related to best and battle (“getting better, improving, fruitful, fertile”). Compare also Icelandic batna (“to improve”), bót (“improvement”), German besser. More at batten, boot. False cognate of Persian بهتر (behtar).
Shortening of had better ('d better)
From Middle English beteren, from Old English beterian, betrian, from Proto-Germanic *batizōną. Cognate with West Frisian betterje (“to better”), Dutch beteren (“to better”), German bessern (“to better”), Danish bedre (“to better”), Swedish bättra (“to better”).
Alternative spelling of bettor or modern formation from the verb to bet + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.