Dictionary monolingual
English
Better
ˈbɛdər
Extremely common
600 - 700
600 - 700
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Better -
To be more desirable or of higher quality than something else
Example: This hotel is better than the one we stayed in last time.
Usage: formal/informalContext: comparing things or options
Note: Commonly used in everyday conversations to express preference or superiority.
To improve or make something more satisfactory
Example: I need to study harder to do better on the next exam.
Usage: formal/informalContext: self-improvement or performance enhancement
Note: Used in academic, work, or personal settings to indicate a desire for improvement.
To recover from an illness or injury
Example: I hope you get better soon.
Usage: informalContext: wishing someone well
Note: Commonly used in informal conversations to express concern and well wishes.
Better's synonyms
superior
Superior means higher in quality, rank, or status. It implies being better in a more significant or noticeable way.
Example: Her performance was superior to that of her competitors.
Note: Superior carries a connotation of being of higher quality or rank than something else.
improved
Improved means made better than before, showing progress or enhancement.
Example: The new design led to improved efficiency in production.
Note: Improved specifically refers to enhancements or progress made in comparison to a previous state.
enhanced
Enhanced means increased or improved in quality, value, or attractiveness.
Example: The enhanced version of the software includes new features and improved performance.
Note: Enhanced suggests an improvement that goes beyond the original state, often through added features or qualities.
Better expressions, common phrases
Better late than never
This phrase means that it is preferable to do something late than to never do it at all.
Example: I know I promised to help earlier, but I finally finished the report. Better late than never, right?
Note: The phrase 'better late than never' emphasizes the importance of completing a task or fulfilling a promise, even if it's delayed.
Better safe than sorry
This idiom advises caution and preparation to avoid regrets or problems later.
Example: I'll bring an umbrella even though it might not rain. Better safe than sorry.
Note: While 'better' implies improvement, 'better safe than sorry' emphasizes the importance of taking precautions over potentially facing negative consequences.
The sooner the better
This phrase means that it is preferable for something to happen as soon as possible.
Example: Let's finish this project now. The sooner the better!
Note: It emphasizes the urgency or timeliness of completing a task or taking action.
You better believe it
This phrase is used to assert the truth of something with confidence.
Example: I aced my exam. You better believe it!
Note: It adds emphasis and certainty to a statement, suggesting that there should be no doubt about its truth.
Better the devil you know than the devil you don't
This idiom suggests that it is safer or wiser to deal with a known, albeit unpleasant, situation than to risk an unknown alternative.
Example: I'm not happy in my job, but I'm afraid to look for a new one. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't, right?
Note: While 'better' implies improvement, this idiom prioritizes familiarity and predictability over uncertainty.
Better luck next time
This expression is used to encourage someone who has not been successful to hope for success in the future.
Example: I didn't win the competition, but better luck next time.
Note: It conveys optimism and support for a future opportunity despite a current setback or disappointment.
Make it better
This phrase is a call to improve or enhance something.
Example: Let's revisit the design and make it better before presenting it to the client.
Note: While 'better' denotes an improvement or higher quality, 'make it better' specifically instructs to take action to enhance a situation or outcome.
Better everyday (slang) expressions
Get the better of
To be overcome or defeated by someone or something. It implies that the other person or thing was stronger or more successful in a situation.
Example: I thought I could handle the situation, but it ended up getting the better of me.
Note: It emphasizes being overcome or defeated by something or someone, rather than simply being better or superior.
Better off
To be in a more advantageous position or situation than before. It suggests that a different choice or action would result in a better outcome.
Example: You're better off applying for the job sooner rather than later.
Note: It implies being in a more advantageous or improved state compared to a previous situation.
Better half
Refers to one's spouse or partner, typically indicating that they are a more important or better part of oneself. It implies a strong emotional connection and partnership.
Example: My wife is my better half; she complements me perfectly.
Note: It denotes the significant other or partner in a relationship, emphasizing the closeness and complementarity between the two individuals.
All the better
Indicates that a situation has improved or become more favorable. It is often used to express satisfaction or contentment with a current circumstance.
Example: I finished my work early, so I have the rest of the day off. All the better for enjoying the sunshine.
Note: It conveys an enhanced or improved state, often in response to a positive or advantageous change in a situation.
Better - Examples
The new version of the software is better than the old one.
The improved design of the car makes it more advanced.
The advantages of studying abroad are numerous and significant.
Better grammar
Better - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb, comparative (Adverb, comparative)
Lemma: well
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): better
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): best
Adjective (Adjective): well
Adverb, comparative (Adverb, comparative): better
Adverb, superlative (Adverb, superlative): best
Adverb (Adverb): well
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): wells, well
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): well
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): welled
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): welling
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): wells
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): well
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): well
Syllables, Separation and Stress
better Contains 2 syllables: bet • ter
Phonetic transcription: ˈbe-tər
bet ter , ˈbe tər (The red syllable is stressed)
Better - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
better: 600 - 700 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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