better 1
/bet"euhr/ , adj., compar. of good with best as superl.
1. of superior quality or excellence: a better coat; a better speech.
2. morally superior; more virtuous: They are no better than thieves.
3. of superior suitability, advisability, desirability, acceptableness, etc.; preferable: a better time for action.
4. larger; greater: the better part of a lifetime.
5. improved in health; healthier than before.
6. completely recovered in health.
7. no better than one should be , Disparaging. morally inferior; immoral or amoral.
adv., compar. of well with best as superl.
8. in a more appropriate or acceptable way or manner: to behave better.
9. to a greater degree; more completely or thoroughly: He knows the way better than we do. I probably know him better than anyone else.
10. more: I walked better than a mile to town.
11. better off ,
a. in better circumstances.
b. more fortunate; happier: Because of his asthma, he would be better off in a different climate.
12. go (someone) one better , to exceed the effort of; be superior to: The neighbors went us one better by buying two new cars.
13. had better , would be wiser or more well-advised to; ought to: We had better stay indoors today.
14. think better of ,
a. to reconsider and decide more favorably or wisely regarding: I was tempted to make a sarcastic retort, but thought better of it.
b. to form a higher opinion of.
v.t.
15. to increase the good qualities of; make better; improve: to better the lot of the suburban commuter.
16. to improve upon; surpass; exceed: We have bettered last year's production record.
17. Cards. to raise (a previous bid).
18. better oneself , to improve one's social standing, financial position, or education: He is going to night school because he wants to better himself.
n.
19. that which has greater excellence or is preferable or wiser: the better of two choices.
20. Usually, betters . those superior to one in wisdom, wealth, etc.
21. for the better , in a way that is an improvement: His health changed for the better.
22. get or have the better of ,
a. to get an advantage over.
b. to prevail against.
[ bef. 900; ME bettre, OE bet(t )( e ) ra; c. OHG bezziro (G besser ), D beter, ON betr, Goth batiza, equiv. to bat- (c. OHG baz (adv.) better; akin to BOOT 2 ) + -iza comp. suffix; suggested relation to Skt bhadrá- "fortunate" is doubtful. See BEST ]
Syn. 15. amend; advance, promote; reform, correct, rectify. See improve .
better 2
/bet"euhr/ , n.
bettor.
[ BET + -ER 1 ]