better
adjective
UK/ˈbet.ə/US/ˈbet.ɚ/
of a higher standard, more suitable, or more desirable.
Example Sentences
The weather is much better today than yesterday.
This car is better suited for long journeys.
He made a better choice by switching to a healthier lifestyle.
Her new job offers better opportunities for growth.
You’ll feel better after a good night's sleep.
They need a better strategy to win the game.
The new version of the software is better than the old one.
We aim to provide better services for our customers.
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adverb
UK/ˈbet.ə/US/ˈbet.ɚ/
to a greater degree or in a more effective way.
Example Sentences
He performs better under pressure.
This method works better for complex problems.
You can communicate better by being clear and concise.
The team played better in the second half.
I understand the topic better now after the explanation.
She sings better than she dances.
Studying regularly helps you prepare better for exams.
Things will get better with time.
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noun (countable)
UK/ˈbet.ə/US/ˈbet.ɚ/
something that is of a higher quality, or someone who is superior.
Example Sentences
She always tries to learn from her betters.
You should listen to your betters for advice.
His achievements make him stand out as one of the betters in the field.
The competition showcased the betters of each discipline.
Respect for one's betters is a sign of humility.
In medieval times, commoners deferred to their betters.
He acted as if there were no betters above him.
Their betters were recognized for their contributions to society.
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verb (transitive)
UK/ˈbet.ə/US/ˈbet.ɚ/
to improve or surpass something.
Example Sentences
He worked hard to better his skills.
The company is trying to better its services.
She hopes to better her chances of success through education.
They are determined to better their record this season.
Efforts to better the environment have gained momentum.
He left the job to better his financial situation.
The new strategy aims to better the performance of the team.
She joined a workshop to better her knowledge of the subject.
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How to Use
Indicates improvement or a higher quality when comparing two items.“Better” functions as a comparative form of “good” (adjective) or “well” (adverb). It suggests that one thing surpasses another in quality, skill, health, or desirability. As an adjective, you might say “This movie is better than the last one,” or “I feel better today” (improved health). As an adverb, it can modify a verb: “He writes better now than he did before.” It can also be a verb meaning ‘to improve’: “They’re trying to better their situation.” When using “better,” ensure you’re comparing exactly two items or conditions—if you have three or more, “best” is the correct superlative. In everyday contexts, “better” highlights growth, advantage, or progress from a previous standard, conveying that something has improved or is more suitable than its counterpart.
Alternatives
Synonyms depend on context. For describing quality, “superior” or “of higher standard” can work, though they often sound more formal. If discussing health, “improved” is a good substitute: “She’s improved since last week.” Phrases like “outperform” or “outdo” might replace “better” in a competitive sense (“He outperformed his peers”). In casual chat, “better off” is popular when discussing a beneficial change in situation. Selecting synonyms should align with the tone—“superior” is more formal or technical, while “outdo” or “top” sounds more active or competitive.
Writing
When writing, “better” is a crisp way to show progress, preference, or advantage, such as “The revised plan is better for our budget.” In formal contexts, be sure you clarify what’s being compared: “Our new method yields better results than the old procedure.” If overused, “better” can lose impact, so consider alternatives like “improved,” “more effective,” or “preferable” for variety and precision. Also, avoid ambiguity; specify the basis of comparison—“better in what sense?”—to help readers understand exactly how something has improved or surpassed another option. In persuasive writing or proposals, pair “better” with evidence or data to strengthen credibility: “The new material lasts 25% longer, making it a better choice for durability.”
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “better” is a go-to term for any kind of upgrade, improvement, or preference: “This cafe is way better than the one across the street,” “He’s feeling better after his cold,” or “I think we should leave early to get better seats.” You’ll also hear idiomatic expressions like “Better late than never,” which emphasize that improving or acting eventually is preferable to not acting at all. If you’re using it frequently, synonyms like “improved” or “nicer” can add a touch of variety, but “better” is already quite natural and widely understood. Just keep in mind that overusing “better” without specifics (why or how it’s better) might sound vague. A quick explanation helps keep your conversation clear and informative.
Etymology
From Old English “betera,” a comparative form of “gōd” (good), “better” traces back to Proto-Germanic “batizon,” linked to improvement or advantage. It stands between “good” and “best” in the comparative hierarchy, highlighting an incremental step up rather than the absolute peak. Over the centuries, its spelling and pronunciation have shifted slightly, yet the core meaning remains constant: to indicate something surpassing a previous state or a counterpart. Its everyday presence reflects the human tendency to measure progress and look for incremental gains in quality, health, or performance.
