Better
/ˈbɛtər/
adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase1 question
Definitions
2 meanings1
Of higher quality or standard.
/ˈbɛtər/
adjectivepositiveBeginner
General
Of superior quality, value, or excellence.
The new phone is better than the old one.
💡 Simply: More good.
More Examples
2
It's better to be safe than sorry.
How It's Used
General
"This cake is better than the last one."
Comparative
"He's a better player than his brother."
2
To a greater degree or in a more satisfactory way.
/ˈbɛtər/
adverbpositiveBeginner
General
To a greater extent; more satisfactorily.
I feel better today.
💡 Simply: More well
More Examples
2
You could have done better.
How It's Used
General
"She sings better than me."
Tip:Think of improvement.
Idioms & expressions
get better
To improve in health.
"I'm getting better every day."
From Old English *betra, comparative of good.
The word 'better' has been used in essentially the same way for centuries, as a comparative of 'good'.
Memory tip
Think of 'best' - better is one step closer.
Word Origin
LanguageOld English
Original meaning
"comparative of 'good'"
Base: good
better thanbetter offget betterbetter yet
Common misspellings
bettterbeter
Practice
Usage
70%Spoken
30%Written