# better

/ˈbɛtɝ/ (US) · /bˈɛtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/better
Updated: 2026-05-01

## Senses

### 1. higher quality

adjective · CEFR A1

of a higher standard or more suitable than something else.

For teachers: the comparative form of 'good', indicating superior quality, excellence, or suitability relative to another entity.

- I think this new laptop is much better than my old one.
- The revised proposal offers a better solution to the logistics problem than the original draft did.

### 2. recovered in health

adjective · CEFR A2

feeling more healthy or less ill than before.

For teachers: recovered from an illness, injury, or negative physical state.

- I hope you feel better after you get some sleep.
- The patient appeared significantly better during the morning rounds, showing improved respiratory function and higher energy levels.

### 3. in a superior way

adverb · CEFR A1

to do something in a way that is more effective or successful.

For teachers: the comparative form of 'well', modifying a verb to indicate a higher degree of skill, effectiveness, or success.

- She speaks English much better now that she lives in London.
- The team performed better in the second half once they adjusted their defensive strategy to account for the opponent's speed.

### 4. to improve

verb · CEFR B2

to make something better than it was before.

For teachers: to improve the status, quality, or condition of something; often used in the context of self-improvement or breaking records.

- He went back to university to better his chances of finding a job.
- The athlete worked tirelessly throughout the off-season, hoping to better her personal record in the upcoming marathon.

### 5. superiors

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

people who are higher in rank or have more authority than you.

For teachers: those who are superior in station, rank, or intellect; typically used in the plural.

- In the old days, children were taught to respect their betters.
- The young clerk was cautioned to remain humble and defer to the wisdom of his betters within the firm.

### 6. person who bets

noun · CEFR B2

someone who risks money on the result of a race or game.

For teachers: a person who wagers or places a bet; an alternative spelling of 'bettor'.

- The horse's odds dropped as more betters placed their money on it.
- Professional betters often use complex statistical models to identify value in the betting markets that the general public overlooks.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.