I. ˈbe-tər adjective, comparative of good
Etymology: Middle English bettre, from Old English betera; akin to Old English bōt remedy, Sanskrit bhadra fortunate
Date: before 12th century
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
II. verb
Date: before 12th century
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 better ing her acquaintance with the new neighbors
2. : to surpass in excellence : excel
intransitive verb
: to become better
Synonyms: see improve
III. adverb, comparative of well
Date: 12th century
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
IV. noun
Date: 12th century
1.
a. : something better
I expected better from them
b. : a superior especially in merit or rank
was respectful of his better s
2. : advantage , victory
get the better of her
V. verbal auxiliary
Date: 1831
: had better
you better hurry