better

I. 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 bettering 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 betters

> 2. advantage, victory <

get the better of her

> V. verbal auxiliary Date: 1831 had better <

you better hurry

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