(bĕt'ər)

1. Greater in excellence or higher in quality.
2. More useful, suitable, or desirable: found a better way to go; a suit with a better fit than that one.
3. More highly skilled or adept: I am better at math than English.
4. Greater or larger: argued for the better part of an hour.
5. More advantageous or favorable; improved: a better chance of success.
6. Healthier or more fit than before: The patient is better today.

1. In a more excellent way.
2. 1. To a greater extent or degree: better suited to the job; likes it better without sauce.
   2. To greater advantage; preferably: a deed better left undone. See Usage Note at best, have, rather.
3. More: It took me better than a year to recover.

1. One that is greater in excellence or higher in quality.
2. A superior, as in standing, competence, or intelligence. Usually used in the plural: to learn from one's betters.

1. To make better; improve: trying to better conditions in the prison; bettered myself by changing jobs. See synonyms at improve.
2. To surpass or exceed.

better off

1. 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.

1. Resulting in or aiming at an improvement: Her condition took a turn for the better.

1. To outdo or outwit; defeat.

1. 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.

[Middle English, from Old English betera.]