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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
bet·ter1    Audio Help   [bet-er] Pronunciation Key
–adjective, compar. of good with best 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.
–adverb, compar. of well with best as superl.
7.in a more appropriate or acceptable way or manner: to behave better.
8.to a greater degree; more completely or thoroughly: He knows the way better than we do. I probably know him better than anyone else.
9.more: I walked better than a mile to town.
–verb (used with object)
10.to increase the good qualities of; make better; improve: to better the lot of the suburban commuter.
11.to improve upon; surpass; exceed: We have bettered last year's production record.
12.Cards. to raise (a previous bid).
–noun
13.that which has greater excellence or is preferable or wiser: the better of two choices.
14.Usually, betters. those superior to one in wisdom, wealth, etc.
—Idioms
15.better off,
a.in better circumstances.
b.more fortunate; happier: Because of his asthma, he would be better off in a different climate.
16.better oneself, to improve one's social standing, financial position, or education: He is going to night school because he wants to better himself.
17.for the better, in a way that is an improvement: His health changed for the better.
18.get or have the better of,
a.to get an advantage over.
b.to prevail against.
19.go (someone) one better, to exceed the effort of; be superior to: The neighbors went us one better by buying two new cars.
20.had better, would be wiser or more well-advised to; ought to: We had better stay indoors today.
21.no better than one should be, Disparaging. morally inferior; immoral or amoral.
22.think better of,
a.to reconsider and decide more favorably or wisely regarding: I was tempted to make a sarcastic retort, but thought better of it.
b.to form a higher opinion of.
[Origin: bef. 900; ME bettre, OE bet(t)(e)ra; c. OHG bezziro (G besser), D beter, ON betr, Goth batiza, equiv. to bat- (c. OHG baz (adv.) better; akin to boot2) + -iza comp. suffix; suggested relation to Skt bhadrá- “fortunate” is doubtful. See best]

—Synonyms 10. amend; advance, promote; reform, correct, rectify. See improve.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
Better

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bet·ter2    Audio Help   [bet-er] Pronunciation Key
–noun
bettor.
[Origin: bet + -er1]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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good    Audio Help   [good] Pronunciation Key adjective, bet·ter, best, noun, interjection, adverb
–adjective
1.morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious: a good man.
2.satisfactory in quality, quantity, or degree: a good teacher; good health.
3.of high quality; excellent.
4.right; proper; fit: It is good that you are here. His credentials are good.
5.well-behaved: a good child.
6.kind, beneficent, or friendly: to do a good deed.
7.honorable or worthy; in good standing: a good name.
8.educated and refined: She has a good background.
9.financially sound or safe: His credit is good.
10.genuine; not counterfeit: a good quarter.
11.sound or valid: good judgment; good reasons.
12.reliable; dependable; responsible: good advice.
13.healthful; beneficial: Fresh fruit is good for you.
14.in excellent condition; healthy: good teeth.
15.not spoiled or tainted; edible; palatable: The meat was still good after three months in the freezer.
16.favorable; propitious: good news.
17.cheerful; optimistic; amiable: in good spirits.
18.free of distress or pain; comfortable: to feel good after surgery.
19.agreeable; pleasant: Have a good time.
20.attractive; handsome: She has a good figure.
21.(of the complexion) smooth; free from blemish.
22.close or intimate; warm: She's a good friend of mine.
23.sufficient or ample: a good supply.
24.advantageous; satisfactory for the purpose: a good day for fishing.
25.competent or skillful; clever: a good manager; good at arithmetic.
26.skillfully or expertly done: a really good job; a good play.
27.conforming to rules of grammar, usage, etc.; correct: good English.
28.socially proper: good manners.
29.remaining available to one: Don't throw good money after bad.
30.comparatively new or of relatively fine quality: Don't play in the mud in your good clothes.
31.best or most dressy: He wore his good suit to the office today.
32.full: a good day's journey away.
33.fairly large or great: a good amount.
34.free from precipitation or cloudiness: good weather.
35.Medicine/Medical. (of a patient's condition) having stable and normal vital signs, being conscious and comfortable, and having excellent appetite, mobility, etc.
36.fertile; rich: good soil.
37.loyal: a good Democrat.
38.(of a return or service in tennis, squash, handball, etc.) landing within the limits of a court or section of a court.
39.Horse Racing. (of the surface of a track) drying after a rain so as to be still slightly sticky: This horse runs best on a good track.
40.(of meat, esp. beef) noting or pertaining to the specific grade below “choice,” containing more lean muscle and less edible fat than “prime” or “choice.”
41.favorably regarded (used as an epithet for a ship, town, etc.): the good ship Syrena.
–noun
42.profit or advantage; worth; benefit: What good will that do? We shall work for the common good.
43.excellence or merit; kindness: to do good.
44.moral righteousness; virtue: to be a power for good.
45.(esp. in the grading of U.S. beef) an official grade below that of “choice.”
46.goods,
a.possessions, esp. movable effects or personal property.
b.articles of trade; wares; merchandise: canned goods.
c.Informal. what has been promised or is expected: to deliver the goods.
d.Informal. the genuine article.
e.Informal. evidence of guilt, as stolen articles: to catch someone with the goods.
f.cloth or textile material: top-quality linen goods.
g.Chiefly British. merchandise sent by land, rather than by water or air.
47.the good,
a.the ideal of goodness or morality.
b.good things or persons collectively.
–interjection
48.(used as an expression of approval or satisfaction): Good! Now we can all go home.
–adverb
49.Informal. well.
—Idioms
50.as good as. as1 (def. 22).
51.come to no good, to end in failure or as a failure: Her jealous relatives said that she would come to no good.
52.for good, finally and permanently; forever: to leave the country for good. Also, for good and all.
53.good and, Informal. very; completely; exceedingly: This soup is good and hot.
54.good for,
a.certain to repay (money owed) because of integrity, financial stability, etc.
b.the equivalent in value of: Two thousand stamps are good for one coffeepot.
c.able to survive or continue functioning for (the length of time or the distance indicated): These tires are good for another 10,000 miles.
d.valid or in effect for (the length of time indicated): a license good for one year.
e.(used as an expression of approval): Good for you!
55.good full, Nautical. (of a sail or sails) well filled, esp. when sailing close to the wind; clean full; rap full.
56.make good,
a.to make recompense for; repay.
b.to implement an agreement; fulfill.
c.to be successful.
d.to substantiate; verify.
e.to carry out; accomplish; execute: The convicts made good their getaway.
57.no good, without value or merit; worthless; contemptible: The check was no good.
58.to the good,
a.generally advantageous: That's all to the good, but what do I get out of it?
b.richer in profit or gain: When he withdrew from the partnership, he was several thousand dollars to the good.
[Origin: bef. 900; ME (adj., adv., and n.); OE gōd (adj.); c. D goed, G gut, ON gōthr, Goth goths]

—Synonyms 1. pure, moral, conscientious, meritorious, worthy, exemplary, upright. 2. commendable, admirable. 5. obedient, heedful. 6. kindly, benevolent, humane, gracious, obliging. 23. full, adequate. 24. profitable, useful, serviceable, beneficial. 25. efficient, proficient, capable, able, ready, suited, suitable, dexterous, expert, adroit, apt. 46. See property.
—Usage note Good is common as an adverb in informal speech, especially after forms of do: He did good on the test. She sees good with her new glasses. This use does not occur in formal speech or edited writing, where the adverb well is used instead: He did well on the test. She sees well with her new glasses.
The adjective good is standard after linking verbs like taste, smell, look, feel, be, and seem: Everything tastes good. The biscuits smell good. You're looking good today. When used after look or feel, good may refer to spirits as well as health: I'm feeling pretty good this morning, ready to take on the world. Well is both an adjective and an adverb. As an adjective used after look, feel, or other linking verbs, it often refers to good health: You're looking well; we missed you while you were in the hospital. See also bad.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
well1    Audio Help   [wel] Pronunciation Key adverb, adjective, comparative bet·ter, superlative best, interjection, noun
–adverb
1.in a good or satisfactory manner: Business is going well.
2.thoroughly, carefully, or soundly: to shake well before using; listen well.
3.in a moral or proper manner: to behave well.
4.commendably, meritoriously, or excellently: a difficult task well done.
5.with propriety, justice, or reason: I could not well refuse.
6.adequately or sufficiently: Think well before you act.
7.to a considerable extent or degree: a sum well over the amount agreed upon.
8.with great or intimate knowledge: to know a person well.
9.certainly; without doubt: I anger easily, as you well know.
10.with good nature; without rancor: He took the joke well.
–adjective
11.in good health; sound in body and mind: Are you well? He is not a well man.
12.satisfactory, pleasing, or good: All is well with us.
13.proper, fitting, or gratifying: It is well that you didn't go.
14.in a satisfactory position; well-off: I am very well as I am.
–interjection
15.(used to express surprise, reproof, etc.): Well! There's no need to shout.
16.(used to introduce a sentence, resume a conversation, etc.): Well, who would have thought he could do it?
–noun
17.well-being; good fortune; success: to wish well to someone.
—Idioms
18.as well,
a.in addition; also; too: She insisted on directing the play and on producing it as well.
b.equally: The town grew as well because of its location as because of its superb climate.
19.as well as, as much or as truly as; equally as: Joan is witty as well as intelligent.
20.leave well enough alone, avoid changing something that is satisfactory.
[Origin: bef. 900; ME, OE wel(l) (adj. and adv.); c. D wel, G wohl, ON vel, Goth waila]

—Synonyms 3. properly, correctly. 4. skillfully, adeptly, accurately, efficiently. 5. suitably. 6. fully, amply. 7. rather, quite. 11. healthy, hale, hearty. 12. fine. 13. suitable, befitting, appropriate. 14. fortunate, happy.
—Antonyms 3. poorly, badly. 11. ill, sick.
—Usage note See good.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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bet·ter 1    Audio Help   (bět'ər)  Pronunciation Key 
adj.   Comparative of good.
  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.

adv.   Comparative of well2.
  1. In a more excellent way.
    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 Notes at best, have, rather.
  3. More: It took me better than a year to recover.

n.  
  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.

v.   bet·tered, bet·ter·ing, bet·ters

v.   tr.
  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.

v.   intr.
To become better.


[Middle English, from Old English betera; see bhad- in Indo-European roots.]

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bet·ter 2    Audio Help   (bět'ər)  Pronunciation Key 
n.   Variant of bettor.

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bet·tor also bet·ter    Audio Help   (bět'ər)  Pronunciation Key 
n.   One that bets or places a bet.

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good    Audio Help   (gŏŏd)  Pronunciation Key 
adj.   bet·ter (bět'ər), best (běst)
  1. Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor: a good experience; good news from the hospital.
    1. Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing: a good exterior paint; a good joke.
    2. Serving the desired purpose or end; suitable: Is this a good dress for the party?
    3. Not spoiled or ruined: The milk is still good.
    4. In excellent condition; sound: a good tooth.
    5. Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.
    6. Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.
    7. Of high quality: good books.
    8. Discriminating: good taste.
    9. Reliable; sure: a good investment.
    10. Valid or true: a good reason.
    11. Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.
    12. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
    13. Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.
    14. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
    15. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
    16. Ample; substantial: a good income.
    17. Bountiful: a good table.
    18. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
    19. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
    20. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
    21. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
    22. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
    23. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
    24. Socially correct; proper: good manners.
    25. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
    26. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
    1. Not spoiled or ruined: The milk is still good.
    2. In excellent condition; sound: a good tooth.
    3. Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.
    4. Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.
    5. Of high quality: good books.
    6. Discriminating: good taste.
    7. Reliable; sure: a good investment.
    8. Valid or true: a good reason.
    9. Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.
    10. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
    11. Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.
    12. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
    13. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
    14. Ample; substantial: a good income.
    15. Bountiful: a good table.
    16. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
    17. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
    18. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
    19. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
    20. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
    21. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
    22. Socially correct; proper: good manners.
    23. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
    24. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
    1. Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.
    2. Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.
    3. Of high quality: good books.
    4. Discriminating: good taste.
    5. Reliable; sure: a good investment.
    6. Valid or true: a good reason.
    7. Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.
    8. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
    9. Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.
    10. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
    11. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
    12. Ample; substantial: a good income.
    13. Bountiful: a good table.
    14. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
    15. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
    16. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
    17. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
    18. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
    19. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
    20. Socially correct; proper: good manners.
    21. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
    22. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
    1. Of high quality: good books.
    2. Discriminating: good taste.
    3. Reliable; sure: a good investment.
    4. Valid or true: a good reason.
    5. Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.
    6. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
    7. Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.
    8. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
    9. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
    10. Ample; substantial: a good income.
    11. Bountiful: a good table.
    12. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
    13. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
    14. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
    15. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
    16. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
    17. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
    18. Socially correct; proper: good manners.
    19. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
    20. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
  6. Worthy of respect; honorable: ruined the family's good name.
  7. Attractive; handsome: good looks.
  8. Beneficial to health; salutary: a good night's rest.
  9. Competent; skilled: a good machinist.
  10. Complete; thorough: a good workout.
    1. Reliable; sure: a good investment.
    2. Valid or true: a good reason.
    3. Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.
    4. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
    5. Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.
    6. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
    7. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
    8. Ample; substantial: a good income.
    9. Bountiful: a good table.
    10. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
    11. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
    12. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
    13. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
    14. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
    15. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
    16. Socially correct; proper: good manners.
    17. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
    18. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
    1. In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
    2. Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.
    3. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
    4. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
    5. Ample; substantial: a good income.
    6. Bountiful: a good table.
    7. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
    8. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
    9. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
    10. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
    11. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
    12. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
    13. Socially correct; proper: good manners.
    14. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
    15. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
    1. Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
    2. Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
    3. Ample; substantial: a good income.
    4. Bountiful: a good table.
    5. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
    6. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
    7. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
    8. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
    9. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
    10. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
    11. Socially correct; proper: good manners.
    12. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
    13. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
    1. Ample; substantial: a good income.
    2. Bountiful: a good table.
    3. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
    4. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
    5. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
    6. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
    7. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
    8. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
    9. Socially correct; proper: good manners.
    10. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
    11. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
  15. Full: It is a good mile from here.
    1. Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
    2. Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
    3. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
    4. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
    5. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
    6. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
    7. Socially correct; proper: good manners.
    8. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
    9. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
    1. Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
    2. Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
    3. Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
    4. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
    5. Socially correct; proper: good manners.
    6. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
    7. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
    1. Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
    2. Socially correct; proper: good manners.
    3. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
    4. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
  19. Sports
    1. Landing within bounds or within a particular area of a court and therefore in play: The first serve was wide, but the second was good.
    2. Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
  20. Used to form exclamatory phrases expressing surprise or dismay: Good heavens! Good grief!

n.  
    1. Something that is good.
    2. A good, valuable, or useful part or aspect.
    3. Commodities; wares: frozen goods.
    4. Portable personal property.
    5. (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Fabric; material.
  2. Welfare; benefit: for the common good.
  3. Goodness; virtue: There is much good to be found in people.
  4. goods
    1. Commodities; wares: frozen goods.
    2. Portable personal property.
    3. (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Fabric; material.
  5. goods Slang Incriminating information or evidence: tried to get the goods on the crook.

adv.   Informal
Well.


[Middle English, from Old English gōd; see ghedh- in Indo-European roots.]

Usage Note: Good is properly used as an adjective with linking verbs such as be, seem, or appear: The future looks good. The soup tastes good. It should not be used as an adverb with other verbs: The car runs well (not good). Thus, The dress fits well and looks good. See Usage Note at well2.

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Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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well 2    Audio Help   (wěl)  Pronunciation Key 
adv.   bet·ter (bět'ər), best (běst)
  1. In a good or proper manner: behaved well.
  2. Skillfully or proficiently: dances well.
  3. Satisfactorily or sufficiently: slept well.
  4. Successfully or effectively: gets along well with people.
  5. In a comfortable or affluent manner: lived well.
  6. In a manner affording benefit or gain; advantageously: married well.
  7. With reason or propriety; reasonably: can't very well say no.
  8. In all likelihood; indeed: You may well need your umbrella.
  9. In a prudent or sensible manner: You would do well to say nothing more.
  10. In a close or familiar manner: knew them well.
  11. In a favorable or approving manner: spoke well of them.
  12. Thoroughly; completely: well cooked; cooked well.
  13. Perfectly; clearly: I well understand your intentions.
  14. To a suitable or appropriate degree: This product will answer your needs equally well.
  15. To a considerable extent or degree: well over the estimate.
  16. With care or attention: listened well.
  17. Entirely; fully: well worth seeing.

adj.   better, best
  1. In a satisfactory condition; right or proper: All is well.
    1. Not ailing, infirm, or diseased; healthy. See Synonyms at healthy.
    2. Cured or healed, as a wound.
    3. Of or characterized by the maintenance of good health practices. Often used in combination: a well-baby clinic; a well-child visit to the doctor.
    4. Advisable; prudent: It would be well not to ask.
    5. Fortunate; good: It is well that you stayed.
    1. Advisable; prudent: It would be well not to ask.
    2. Fortunate; good: It is well that you stayed.

interj.  
  1. Used to introduce a remark, resume a narrative, or fill a pause during conversation.
  2. Used to express surprise.


[Middle English wel, from Old English; see wel-1 in Indo-European roots.]

Usage Note: English speakers have used well both as an adjective and as an adverb since Old English times. When applied to people, the adjective well usually refers to a state of health. Like similar adjectives, such as ill and faint, well in this use is normally restricted to the predicate, as in He hasn't been well lately. Well does see occasional use before a noun, as in Benjamin Franklin's "Poor Dick eats like a well man, and drinks like a sick." It also appears in compound adjectives like well-baby, which is well known to pediatricians and recent parents. Good, on the other hand, has a much wider range of senses, including "attractive," as in He looks good, and "competent," as in She's pretty good for a beginner, as well as "healthy." See Usage Note at good.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
better 
O.E. betera (see best). Comparative adj. of good in the older Gmc. languages (cf. O.N. betr, Dan. bedre, Ger. besser, Goth. batiza). Superseded bet in the adv. sense by 1600. Better half "wife" is first attested 1580; to get the better of (someone) is from 1461.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
better

adjective
1. (comparative of 'good') superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another; "You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din"; "a better coat"; "a better type of car"; "a suit with a better fit"; "a better chance of success"; "produced a better mousetrap"; "she's better in math than in history" [ant: worse] 
2. (comparative of 'good') changed for the better in health or fitness; "her health is better now"; "I feel better" [ant: worse] 
3. (comparative and superlative of 'well') wiser or more advantageous and hence advisable; "it would be better to speak to him"; "the White House thought it best not to respond" 
4. more than half; "argued for the better part of an hour" 

adverb
1. comparative of 'well'; in a better or more excellent manner or more advantageously or attractively or to a greater degree etc.; "She had never sung better"; "a deed better left undone"; "better suited to the job" 
2. from a position of superiority or authority; "father knows best"; "I know better." 

noun
1. something superior in quality or condition or effect; "a change for the better" 
2. someone who bets [syn: bettor] 
3. a superior person having claim to precedence; "the common man has been kept in his place by his betters" 
4. the superior one of two alternatives; "chose the better of the two" 

verb
1. surpass in excellence; "She bettered her own record"; "break a record" 
2. to make better; "The editor improved the manuscript with his changes" [ant: aggravate] 
3. get better; "The weather improved toward evening" [ant: decline] 

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms - Cite This Source - Share This

better

In addition to the idioms beginning with better, also see against one's better judgment; all better; all the better; discretion is the better part of valor; for better or for worse; get better; get the better (best) of; go one better; had better (best); know better; seen better days; so much the better; sooner the better; take a turn for the better; think better of; you'd better believe it. Also see under best.


The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
better1 [ˈbetə] adjective
good to a greater extent
Example: His new car is better than his old one.
Arabic: أَفْضَل، أحْسَن
Chinese (Simplified): 较好的
Chinese (Traditional): 較好的
Czech: lepší
Danish: bedre
Dutch: beter
Estonian: parem
Finnish: parempi
French: mieux; meilleur
German: besser
Greek: καλύτερος
Hungarian: jobb
Icelandic: betri
Indonesian: lebih baik
Italian: meglio
Japanese: ～より良い
Korean: 더 나은
Latvian: labāks
Lithuanian: geresnis
Norwegian: bedre
Polish: lepszy
Portuguese (Brazil): melhor (do que)
Portuguese (Portugal): melhor
Romanian: mai bun
Russian: лучший
Slovak: lepší
Slovenian: boljši
Spanish: mejor
Swedish: bättre
Turkish: daha iyi
better2 [ˈbetə] adjective
stronger in health; recovered (from an illness)
Example: I feel better today; She's better now.
Arabic: في صِحَّةٍ أفْضَل
Chinese (Simplified): （健康状况）有所好转
Chinese (Traditional): (健康狀況)有所好轉
Czech: lépe, lepší
Danish: have det bedre; føle sig bedre
Dutch: beter
Estonian: parem
Finnish: parempi
French: mieux
German: (gesundheitlich) besser
Greek: καλύτερα (στην υγεία)
Hungarian: jobban
Icelandic: betri
Indonesian: lebih sehat, sembuh
Italian: meglio
Japanese: 快方に向かって
Korean: 더 건강한, 병이 나아가는
Latvian: (justies) labāk
Lithuanian: sveikesnis
Norwegian: bedre, friskere
Polish: zdrowszy
Portuguese (Brazil): melhor
Portuguese (Portugal): melhor
Romanian: mai bine
Russian: (чувствующий себя) лучше
Slovak: lepšie
Slovenian: bolje; boljši
Spanish: mejor, mejorado, recuperado
Swedish: bättre
Turkish: daha iyi
better3 [ˈbetə] adjective
preferable
Example: Better to do it now than later.
Arabic: مُفَضَّل أن، من الأفْضَلِ أن
Chinese (Simplified): 更好的
Chinese (Traditional): 更好的
Czech: lepší, lépe
Danish: bedre
Dutch: beter
Estonian: parem
Finnish: parempi
French: préférable
German: besser
Greek: προτιμότερος
Hungarian: előnyösebb, jobb
Icelandic: betra, æskilegra
Indonesian: lebih suka
Italian: meglio
Japanese: ～より望ましい
Korean: 보다 바람직한
Latvian: labāk
Lithuanian: geriau, verčiau
Norwegian: bedre
Polish: lepiej
Portuguese (Brazil): preferível
Portuguese (Portugal): melhor
Romanian: mai bine
Russian: лучше
Slovak: lepšie
Slovenian: bolje
Spanish: mejor, más vale
Swedish: bättre, hellre
Turkish: daha iyi
better [ˈbetə] adverb
well to a greater extent
Example: He sings better now than he did before.
Arabic: بصورة بِصورَةٍ أفْضَل
Chinese (Simplified): 更好地
Chinese (Traditional): 更好地
Czech: lépe
Danish: bedre
Dutch: beter
Estonian: paremini
Finnish: paremmin
French: mieux
German: besser
Greek: καλύτερα
Hungarian: jobban
Icelandic: betur
Indonesian: lebih baik
Italian: meglio
Japanese: より良く
Korean: 더 잘
Latvian: labāk
Lithuanian: geriau
Norwegian: bedre
Polish: lepiej
Portuguese (Brazil): melhor
Portuguese (Portugal): melhor
Romanian: mai bine
Russian: лучше
Slovak: lepšie
Slovenian: bolje
Spanish: mejor
Swedish: bättre
Turkish: daha iyi (bir şekilde)
better [ˈbetə] pronoun
someone or something which is good to a greater extent than the other (of two people or things)
Example: He's the better of the two.
Arabic: الأفْضَلُ (مِن بيْنِ إثنين)
Chinese (Simplified): 较优者
Chinese (Traditional): 較優者
Czech: ten, *ta lepší
Danish: bedste
Dutch: beste
Estonian: parem
Finnish: parempi
French: le, *la meilleur, *-eure (de)
German: der, *die, *das Bessere
Greek: (ο) καλύτερος (για σύγκριση ανάμεσα σε δύο)
Hungarian: jobb(ik)
Icelandic: betri
Indonesian: lebih baik
Italian: il migliore*
Japanese: よりよい人
Latvian: labākais
Lithuanian: geresnis
Norwegian: den bedre, overmann
Polish: lepszy
Portuguese (Brazil): melhor
Portuguese (Portugal): melhor
Romanian: cel mai bun (dintre)
Russian: более подходящий
Slovak: ten lepší
Slovenian: boljši
Spanish: el, *la, *lo mejor de
Swedish: bättre
Turkish: daha iyisi
better [ˈbetə] verb
to improve (on)
Example: He's bettered all previous records; The situation has bettered a little.
Arabic: يُحَسِّنُ
Chinese (Simplified): 改善
Chinese (Traditional): 改善
Czech: zlepšit (se)
Danish: forbedre
Dutch: verbeteren
Estonian: parandama, paranema
Finnish: parantaa, parantua
French: (s')améliorer
German: (sich)verbessern
Greek: βελτιώνω, βελτιώνομαι
Hungarian: megjavít, (meg)javul
Icelandic: bæta; batna
Indonesian: memperbaiki
Italian: migliorare
Japanese: より良くする
Korean: 발전하다
Latvian: uzlabot; uzlaboties
Lithuanian: pagerinti, pagerėti
Norwegian: (for)bedre; slå
Polish: poprawić (się)
Portuguese (Brazil): melhorar
Portuguese (Portugal): melhorar
Romanian: a (se) ameliora
Russian: улучшать(ся)
Slovak: zlepšiť (sa)
Slovenian: izboljšati (se)
Spanish: mejorar
Swedish: förbättra
Turkish: iyileş(tir)mek, ıslah etmek
See also: better off, get the better of, the better part of

Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary, © 2000-2006 K Dictionaries Ltd.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Better

Bat"ful\, a. [Icel. bati amelioration, batna to grow better; akin to AS. bet better. Goth. ga-batnan to profit. ?255. Cf. Batten, v. i., Better.] Rich; fertile. [Obs.] "Batful valleys." --Drayton.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Better

Beete\, Bete \Bete\ (b[=e]t), v. t. [AS. b[=e]tan to mend. See Better.]

1. To mend; to repair. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

2. To renew or enkindle (a fire). [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Better

Best\ (b[e^]st), a.; superl. of Good. [AS. besta, best, contr. from betest, betst, betsta; akin to Goth. batists, OHG. pezzisto, G. best, beste, D. best, Icel. beztr, Dan. best, Sw. b["a]st. This word has no connection in origin with good. See Better.]

1. Having good qualities in the highest degree; most good, kind, desirable, suitable, etc.; most excellent; as, the best man; the best road; the best cloth; the best abilities.

When he is best, he is a little worse than a man. --Shak.

Heaven's last, best gift, my ever new delight. --Milton.

2. Most advanced; most correct or complete; as, the best scholar; the best view of a subject.

3. Most; largest; as, the best part of a week.

Best man, the only or principal groomsman at a wedding ceremony.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Better

Bet\, a. & adv. An early form of Better. [Obs.]

To go bet, to go fast; to hurry. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Better

Bet"ter\, a.; compar. of Good. [OE. betere, bettre, and as adv. bet, AS. betera, adj., and bet, adv.; akin to Icel. betri, adj., betr, adv., Goth. batiza, adj., OHG. bezziro, adj., baz, adv., G. besser, adj. and adv., bass, adv., E. boot, and prob. to Skr. bhadra excellent. See Boot advantage, and cf. Best, Batful.]

1. Having good qualities in a greater degree than another; as, a better man; a better physician; a better house; a better air.

Could make the worse appear The better reason. --Milton.

2. Preferable in regard to rank, value, use, fitness, acceptableness, safety, or in any other respect.

To obey is better than sacrifice. --1 Sam. xv. 22.

It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confide