Better Definition
Compar. of good.
To improve.
- deteriorate
- get worse
- worsen
- In a better or more prosperous condition:
would be better off taking the train instead of driving; felt better off after the rise in stock prices.
- Resulting in or aiming at an improvement:
Her condition took a turn for the better.
- To outdo or outwit; defeat.
- To change one's mind about (a course of action) after reconsideration:
I almost bought an expensive watch, but then I thought better of it.
- in a better situation or condition
- having more income, wealth, etc.
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Better
Origin of Better
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From Middle English better, bettre, betre, from Old English betera (“better”), from Proto-Germanic *batizô (“better”), from Proto-Indo-European *bhAd- (“good”). Cognate with Sanskrit भद्र (bhadrá, “blessed, fortunate, happy, good”). For Germanic cognates: see Proto-Germanic *batizô. Verb is from Middle English beteren, from Old English beterian (“to make better, improve”). Related to best. Compare also Icelandic batna (“to improve”), Icelandic bót (“improvement”). More at batten, boot.
From Wiktionary
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Middle English from Old English betera bhad- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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Alternate pronunciation of bettor or modern formation from the verb to bet.
From Wiktionary
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