better: Meaning and Definition of

bet•ter

Pronunciation: (bet'ur), [key]
— adj., compar. of 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. morally inferior; immoral or amoral.
—adv.,
—v.t.
  1. to increase the good qualities of; make better; improve: to better the lot of the suburban commuter.
  2. to improve upon; surpass; exceed: We have bettered last year's production record.
  3. to raise (a previous bid).
  4. to improve one's social standing, financial position, or education: He is going to night school because he wants to better himself.
—n.
  1. that which has greater excellence or is preferable or wiser: the better of two choices.
  2. Usually,those superior to one in wisdom, wealth, etc.
  3. in a way that is an improvement: His health changed for the better.
    1. to get an advantage over.
    2. to prevail against.

bet•ter

Pronunciation: (bet'ur), [key]
— n.
  1. bettor.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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