ENGLISH
REFERENCE

better

US //ˈbɛtɝ// UK //bˈɛtɐ// bet·ter
  1. 1 higher quality (adj.)
    A1 Beginner

    of a higher standard or more suitable than something else.

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

    Example

    I think this new laptop is much better than my old one.

    Example

    The revised proposal offers a better solution to the logistics problem than the original draft did.
    Pitfall
    This 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.

  2. 2 recovered in health (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    feeling more healthy or less ill than before.

    recovered from an illness, injury, or negative physical state.

    Example

    I hope you feel better after you get some sleep.

    Example

    The patient appeared significantly better during the morning rounds, showing improved respiratory function and higher energy levels.
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  1. 3 in a superior way (adv.)
    A1 Beginner

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

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

    Example

    She speaks English much better now that she lives in London.

    Example

    The team performed better in the second half once they adjusted their defensive strategy to account for the opponent's speed.
  2. 4 to improve (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to make something better than it was before.

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

    Example

    He went back to university to better his chances of finding a job.

    Example

    The athlete worked tirelessly throughout the off-season, hoping to better her personal record in the upcoming marathon.
  3. 5 superiors (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

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

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

    Example

    In the old days, children were taught to respect their betters.

    Example

    The young clerk was cautioned to remain humble and defer to the wisdom of his betters within the firm.
  4. 6 person who bets (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

    The horse's odds dropped as more betters placed their money on it.

    Example

    Professional betters often use complex statistical models to identify value in the betting markets that the general public overlooks.
Etymology 1

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).

Etymology 2

Shortening of had better ('d better)

Etymology 3

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”).

Etymology 4

Alternative spelling of bettor or modern formation from the verb to bet + -er.

Idioms14 entries

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