English Dictionary

Definition of “better”

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1better1 (ˈbɛtəPronunciation for better1) 

Definitions

adjective

  1. the comparative of good
  2. more excellent than other members of a particular group, category, etc
  3. more suitable, advantageous, attractive, etc
  4. improved in health
  5. fully recovered in health
  6. in more favourable circumstances, esp financially
  7. See better off
  8. See the better part of

adverb

  1. the comparative of well1
  2. in a more excellent manner; more advantageously, attractively, etc
  3. in or to a greater degree or extent; more  ⇒ she is better loved than her sister 
  4. See go one better
  5. See had better
  6. See know better than to
  7. See think better of

noun

  1. See the better
  2. (usually plural) a person who is superior, esp in social standing or ability
  3. See all the better for
  4. See all the better to
  5. See for better for worse
  6. See for the better
  7. See get the better of
  8. See the better of

verb

  1. to make or become better
  2. (tr) to improve upon; surpass

Word Origin

Old English betera ; related to Old Norse betri , Gothic batiza , Old High German beziro

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= to a greater degree more completely more thoroughly
= in a more excellent manner more effectively more attractively more advantageously more competently in a superior way
= well, stronger, improving, progressing, recovering, healthier, cured, mending, fitter, fully recovered on the mend, more healthy less ill
= superior, finer, nicer, worthier, higher-quality surpassing, preferable, more appropriate more useful more valuable more suitable more desirable streets ahead more fitting more expert
= greater, bigger, larger,
= beat, top, exceed, excel, surpass, outstrip, outdo, trump, improve on or upon cap,
= run rings around, clobber, lick, knock spots off, put in the shade,
= improve, further, raise, forward, reform, advance, promote, correct, enhance, upgrade, amend, mend, rectify, augment, ameliorate, meliorate,

2better2 or especially US bettor(ˈbɛtəPronunciation for )

Definitions

noun

  1. a person who bets

good (ɡʊdPronunciation for good) 

Definitions

adjective

Word forms: better, best
  1. having admirable, pleasing, superior, or positive qualities; not negative, bad or mediocre  ⇒ a good idea a good teacher 
    1. morally excellent or admirable; virtuous; righteous  ⇒ a good man 
    2. ((as collective noun;  preceded by ( preceded by the)  ⇒ the good 
  3. suitable or efficient for a purpose  ⇒ a good secretary a good winter coat 
  4. beneficial or advantageous  ⇒ vegetables are good for you 
  5. not ruined or decayed; sound or whole  ⇒ the meat is still good 
  6. kindly, generous, or approving  ⇒ you are good to him 
  7. right or acceptable  ⇒ your qualifications are good for the job 
  8. rich and fertile  ⇒ good land 
  9. valid or genuine  ⇒ I would not do this without good reason 
  10. honourable or held in high esteem  ⇒ a good family 
  11. commercially or financially secure, sound, or safe  ⇒ good securities a good investment 
  12. (of a draft) drawn for a stated sum
  13. (of debts) expected to be fully paid
  14. clever, competent, or talented  ⇒ he's good at science 
  15. obedient or well-behaved  ⇒ a good dog 
  16. reliable, safe, or recommended  ⇒ a good make of clothes 
  17. affording material pleasure or indulgence  ⇒ the good things in life the good life 
  18. having a well-proportioned, beautiful, or generally fine appearance  ⇒ a good figure a good complexion 
  19. complete; full  ⇒ I took a good look round the house 
  20. propitious; opportune  ⇒ a good time to ask the manager for a rise 
  21. satisfying or gratifying  ⇒ a good rest 
  22. comfortable  ⇒ did you have a good night? 
  23. newest or of the best quality  ⇒ to keep the good plates for important guests 
  24. fairly large, extensive, or long  ⇒ a good distance away 
  25. sufficient; ample  ⇒ we have a good supply of food 
  26. US (of meat) of the third government grade, above (of meat) of the third government grade, above standard  and below (of meat) of the third government grade, above and below choice
  27. serious or intellectual  ⇒ good music 
  28. used in a traditional description  ⇒ the good ship ``America'' 
  29. used in polite or patronizing phrases or to express anger (often intended ironically)  ⇒ how is your good lady? look here, my good man! 
  30. See a good one
  31. See as good as
  32. See as good as gold
  33. See be as good as to
  34. See come good
  35. See good and
  36. (intensifier; used in mild oaths)  ⇒ good grief! good heavens! 

exclamation

  1. an exclamation of approval, agreement, pleasure, etc

noun

  1. moral or material advantage or use; benefit or profit  ⇒ for the good of our workers what is the good of worrying? 
  2. positive moral qualities; goodness; virtue; righteousness; piety
  3. (sometimes capital) moral qualities seen as a single abstract entity  ⇒ we must pursue the Good 
  4. a good thing
  5. economics a commodity or service that satisfies a human need
  6. See for good
  7. See make good
  8. See good on you
  9. See get any good of

See also

goods

Alternative Forms

ˈgoodish adjective

Word Origin

Old English gōd;  related to Old Norse gōthr,  Old High German guot good

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= excellent, great, fine, pleasing, capital, choice, crucial, acceptable, pleasant, worthy, first-class, divine, splendid, satisfactory, superb, enjoyable, awesome, dope, world-class, admirable, agreeable, super, pleasurable, wicked, bad, first-rate, tiptop, bitchin', booshit, exo, sik, rad, phat, schmick, beaut, barrie, belting, pearler,
= fine, excellent, superior, first-class, first-rate, choice,
= proficient, able, skilled, capable, expert, talented, efficient, clever, accomplished, reliable, first-class, satisfactory, competent, thorough, tasty, adept, first-rate, adroit, dexterous,
= positive, beneficial, favourable, advantageous, auspicious, propitious,
= sensible, useful, wise, valuable, suitable, worthwhile, constructive, shrewd, prudent, sound, commendable, judicious, well-thought-out, well-reasoned,
= desirable, pleasing, positive, productive, satisfying, beneficial, constructive, gratifying, advantageous,
= clear, correct, accurate, exact, precise, definite,
= profitable, fair, reasonable, adequate, lucrative,
= beneficial, useful, healthy, helpful, favourable, wholesome, advantageous, salutary, salubrious,
= honourable, moral, worthy, ethical, upright, admirable, honest, righteous, exemplary, right, virtuous, trustworthy, altruistic, praiseworthy, estimable,
= well-behaved, seemly, mannerly, proper, polite, orderly, obedient, dutiful, decorous, well-mannered,
= kind, kindly, friendly, obliging, charitable, humane, gracious, benevolent, merciful, beneficent, well-disposed, kind-hearted,
= cheerful, happy, pleasant, agreeable, congenial, convivial,
= true, real, genuine, proper, reliable, dependable, sound, trustworthy, dinkum,
= full, long, whole, complete, entire, solid, extensive,
= considerable, large, substantial, sufficient, adequate, ample,
= valid, convincing, compelling, legitimate, authentic, persuasive, sound, bona fide,
= best, newest, special, finest, nicest, smartest, fancy, most valuable most precious
= sunny, clear, fair, bright, calm, mild, clement, halcyon, balmy, cloudless, sunshiny,
= edible, untainted, uncorrupted, eatable, fit to eat,
= convenient, timely, fitting, fit, appropriate, suitable, well-timed, opportune,
= benefit, interest, gain, advantage, use, service, profit, welfare, behalf, avail, usefulness, wellbeing,
= virtue, goodness, righteousness, worth, merit, excellence, morality, probity, rectitude, uprightness,

guid (ɡyd;ɡɪdPronunciation for guid) 

Definitions

adjective

  1. a Scot word for good

1well1 (wɛlPronunciation for well1) 

Definitions

adverb

Word forms: better, best
  1. (often used in combination) in a satisfactory manner  ⇒ the party went very well 
  2. (often used in combination) in a good, skilful, or pleasing manner  ⇒ she plays the violin well 
  3. in a correct or careful manner  ⇒ listen well to my words 
  4. in a comfortable or prosperous manner  ⇒ to live well 
  5. (usually used with auxiliaries) suitably; fittingly  ⇒ you can't very well say that 
  6. intimately  ⇒ I knew him well 
  7. in a kind or favourable manner  ⇒ she speaks well of you 
  8. to a great or considerable extent; fully  ⇒ to be well informed 
  9. by a considerable margin  ⇒ let me know well in advance 
  10.  preceded by could, might, or may indeed  ⇒ you may well have to do it yourself 
  11. informal (intensifier)  ⇒ well safe 
  12. See all very well
  13. See as well
  14. See as well as
  15. See just leave well alone
  16. See well and good
  17. See well up in

adjective (usually postpositive)

  1. (when prenominal, usually used with a negative) in good health  ⇒ I'm very well, thank you he's not a well man 
  2. satisfactory, agreeable, or pleasing
  3. prudent; advisable  ⇒ it would be well to make no comment 
  4. prosperous or comfortable
  5. fortunate or happy  ⇒ it is well that you agreed to go 

exclamation

    1. an expression of surprise, indignation, or reproof
    2. an expression of anticipation in waiting for an answer or remark

sentence connector

  1. an expression used to preface a remark, gain time, etc  ⇒ well, I don't think I will come 

Word Origin

Old English wel;  related to Old High German wala, wola  (German wohl ), Old Norse val,  Gothic waila

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= skilfully, expertly, adeptly, with skill professionally, correctly, properly, effectively, efficiently, adequately, admirably, ably, conscientiously, proficiently,
= satisfactorily, nicely, smoothly, successfully, capitally, pleasantly, happily, famously, splendidly, agreeably, like nobody's business, in a satisfactory manner
= thoroughly, completely, fully, carefully, effectively, efficiently, rigorously,
= intimately, closely, completely, deeply, fully, personally, profoundly,
= carefully, closely, minutely, fully, comprehensively, accurately, in detail, in depth, extensively, meticulously, painstakingly, rigorously, scrupulously, assiduously, intensively, from top to bottom, methodically, attentively, conscientiously, exhaustively,
= favourably, highly, kindly, warmly, enthusiastically, graciously, approvingly, admiringly, with admiration appreciatively, with praise glowingly, with approbation
= considerably, easily, very much, significantly, substantially, markedly,
= fully, highly, greatly, completely, amply, very much, thoroughly, considerably, sufficiently, substantially, heartily, abundantly,
= possibly, probably, certainly, reasonably, conceivably, justifiably,
= decently, right, kindly, fittingly, fairly, easily, correctly, properly, readily, politely, suitably, generously, justly, in all fairness, genially, civilly, hospitably,
= prosperously, comfortably, splendidly, in comfort in (the lap of) luxury flourishingly without hardship
= harmoniously, nicely, pleasantly, happily, politely, famously, amicably, amiably, agreeably, peaceably, genially, like a house on fire,
= healthy, strong, sound, fit, blooming, robust, hale, hearty, in good health alive and kicking, fighting fit, in fine fettle, up to par fit as a fiddle, able-bodied, in good condition
= satisfactory, good, right, fine, happy, fitting, pleasing, bright, useful, lucky, proper, thriving, flourishing, profitable, fortunate,
= advisable, useful, proper, prudent, agreeable,

Quotations

  • "Mostly, we are good when it makes sense. A good society is one that makes sense of being good" Ian McEwan
  • "Being good is just a matter of temperament in the end" Iris Murdoch
  • "No one can be good for long if goodness is not in demand" Bertolt Brecht
  • "`For your own good' is a persuasive argument that will eventually make a man agree to his own destruction" Janet Frame
  • "No people do so much harm as those who go about doing good" Bishop Mandell Creighton
  • "Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame" Alexander Pope

Translations

  • British English: better Pronunciation for better You use better to mean that a thing is very good compared to another thing.His painting is better than mine.ˈbɛtə ADJECTIVE His painting is better than mine.
  • Spanish: mejor Pronunciation for mejor adj
  • French: meilleur Pronunciation for meilleur adj
  • German: besser Pronunciation for besser adj
  • Chinese: 较好的Pronunciation for 较好的 adj
  • Arabic: أَفْضَلPronunciation for أَفْضَل adj
  • Portuguese: melhorPronunciation for melhor adj
  • Russian: лучшийPronunciation for лучший adj лучшая
  • Croatian: boljiPronunciation for bolji adj bolja
  • Czech: lepšíPronunciation for lepší adj
  • Danish: bedrePronunciation for bedre adj
  • Dutch: beterPronunciation for beter adj
  • Finnish: parempiPronunciation for parempi adj
  • Greek: καλύτεροςPronunciation for καλύτερος adj καλύτερη
  • Italian: migliorePronunciation for migliore adj
  • Japanese: よりよいPronunciation for よりよい no_posp
  • Korean: 더 좋은Pronunciation for 더 좋은 adj
  • Norwegian: bedrePronunciation for bedre adj
  • Polish: lepszyPronunciation for lepszy adj lepsza
  • Brazilian Portuguese: melhorPronunciation for melhor adj
  • European Spanish: mejor Pronunciation for mejor adj
  • Swedish: bättrePronunciation for bättre adj
  • Thai: ดีกว่าPronunciation for ดีกว่า adj
  • Turkish: daha iyiPronunciation for daha iyi adj
  • Vietnamese: tốt hơnPronunciation for tốt hơn adj
  • British English: better Pronunciation for better You use better to mean that someone or something does something very well compared to another person or thing.She plays tennis better than I do.ˈbɛtə ADVERB She plays tennis better than I do.
  • Spanish: mejor Pronunciation for mejor adv
  • French: mieux Pronunciation for mieux adv
  • German: besser Pronunciation for besser adv
  • Chinese: 更好地Pronunciation for 更好地 adv
  • Arabic: أَحْسَنPronunciation for أَحْسَن adv
  • Portuguese: melhorPronunciation for melhor adv
  • Russian: лучшеPronunciation for лучше adv
  • Croatian: boljePronunciation for bolje adv
  • Czech: lépePronunciation for lépe adv
  • Danish: bedrePronunciation for bedre adv
  • Dutch: beterPronunciation for beter adv
  • Finnish: paremminPronunciation for paremmin adv
  • Greek: καλύτεραPronunciation for καλύτερα adv
  • Italian: meglioPronunciation for meglio adv
  • Japanese: よりよくPronunciation for よりよく adv
  • Korean: 더 좋게Pronunciation for 더 좋게 adv
  • Norwegian: bedrePronunciation for bedre adv
  • Polish: lepiejPronunciation for lepiej adv
  • Brazilian Portuguese: melhorPronunciation for melhor adv
  • European Spanish: mejor Pronunciation for mejor adv
  • Swedish: bättrePronunciation for bättre adv
  • Thai: มาตรฐานที่ดีกว่าPronunciation for มาตรฐานที่ดีกว่า adv
  • Turkish: daha iyisiPronunciation for daha iyisi adv
  • Vietnamese: tốt hơnPronunciation for tốt hơn adv
  • British English: better If you feel better, you do not feel ill any more.I feel much better today.ˈbɛtə ADJECTIVE I feel much better today.
  • French: mieux adv
  • Arabic: أَحْسَن adj
  • Brazilian Portuguese: melhor adv

Usage examples

  • The more I thought about it, the better the idea sounded to me.
    Hugo Wilcken, THE EXECUTION (2002)
  • GARDENS TO VISIT Secret Gardens of the Riviera Garden lovers will find no better place to explore than the French Riviera.
    Country Life (2004)
  • I look at the Blackburn team then and the Chelsea team now and think player for player they are better at Chelsea.
    Irish Times (2002)
  • The New Zealanders, runners up last year, also arrived in Scotland yesterday, determined to go one better.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • The more we value and accept ourselves the better able we are to deal with threats to our meaning structure.
    Dorothy Rowe, BEYOND FEAR (2002)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'B'

Related Terms

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