Nearby Words
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.
EXPANDimproved in health; healthier than before.
6.
COLLAPSEcompletely 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.
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Better
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is subtilize. Does it mean:
| chat, to converse |
| to introduce subtleties into or argue subtly about. |
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
Idioms13.
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.
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/have the better of,
a.
to get an advantage over.
b.
to prevail against.
19.
EXPANDgo (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.
COLLAPSEthink 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:
before 900; Middle English bettre, Old English bet(t)(e)ra; cognate with Old High German bezziro (German besser), Dutch beter, Old Norse betr, Gothic batiza, equivalent to bat- (cognate with Old High German baz (adv.) better; akin to boot2) + -iza comparative suffix; suggested relation to Sanskrit bhadrá- “fortunate” is doubtful. See best
before 900; Middle English bettre, Old English bet(t)(e)ra; cognate with Old High German bezziro (German besser), Dutch beter, Old Norse betr, Gothic batiza, equivalent to bat- (cognate with Old High German baz (adv.) better; akin to boot2) + -iza comparative suffix; suggested relation to Sanskrit bhadrá- “fortunate” is doubtful. See best
Related forms
un·bet·tered, adjective
Example Sentences
- Give them a better life.
- It gets better, or so they say.
- Grow it: It'll take over any support it's offered, so give it a fence or better yet, an arbor.
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.
EXPANDcommendably, meritoriously, or excellently: a difficult task well done.
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.
COLLAPSEwith 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
Idioms17.
well-being; good fortune; success: to wish well to someone.
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:
before 900; Middle English, Old English wel(l) (adj. and adv.); cognate with Dutch wel, German wohl, Old Norse vel, Gothic waila
before 900; Middle English, Old English wel(l) (adj. and adv.); cognate with Dutch wel, German wohl, Old Norse vel, Gothic 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.
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.
3. poorly, badly. 11. ill, sick.
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.
EXPANDwell-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, especially beef) noting or pertaining to the specific grade below “choice,” containing more lean muscle and less edible fat than “prime” or “choice.”
41.
COLLAPSEfavorably 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.
(especially in the grading of U.S. beef) an official grade below that of “choice.”
46.
EXPANDgoods,
a.
possessions, especially 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.
interjection
48.
(used as an expression of approval or satisfaction): Good! Now we can all go home.
adverb
Idioms49.
Informal. well.
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.
EXPANDgood 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, especially 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.
COLLAPSEto 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:
before 900; Middle English (adj., adv., and noun); Old English gōd (adj.); cognate with Dutch goed, German gut, Old Norse gōthr, Gothic goths
before 900; Middle English (adj., adv., and noun); Old English gōd (adj.); cognate with Dutch goed, German gut, Old Norse gōthr, Gothic goths
Related forms
qua·si-good, adjective
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.
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. EXPANDShe 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.
COLLAPSE
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. EXPANDShe 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.
COLLAPSE
noun
1.
a hole drilled or bored into the earth to obtain water, petroleum, natural gas, brine, or sulfur.
2.
a spring or natural source of water.
3.
an apparent reservoir or a source of human feelings, emotions, energy, etc.: He was a well of gentleness and courtesy.
4.
a container, receptacle, or reservoir for a liquid: the well of ink in a fountain pen.
5.
EXPANDany sunken or deep, enclosed space, as a shaft for air or light, stairs, or an elevator, extending vertically through the floors of a building.
6.
Nautical.
a.
a part of a weather deck between two superstructures, extending from one side of a vessel to the other.
b.
a compartment or enclosure around a ship's pumps to make them easily accessible and protect them from being damaged by the cargo.
7.
a hollow compartment, recessed area, or depression for holding a specific item or items, as fish in the bottom of a boat or the retracted wheels of an airplane in flight.
8.
COLLAPSEany shaft dug or bored into the earth, as for storage space or a mine.
verb (used without object)
9.
to rise, spring, or gush, as water, from the earth or some other source (often followed by up, out, or forth): Tears welled up in my eyes.
verb (used with object)
10.
to send welling up or forth: a fountain welling its pure water.
adjective
11.
like, of, resembling, from, or used in connection with a well.
Origin:
before 900; (noun) Middle English well(e), Old English wylle, wella, welle; cognate with German Welle wave; (v.) Middle English wellen, Old English wellan (cognate with Dutch wellen, Old Norse vella); both noun and v. ultimately akin to weallan to boil
before 900; (noun) Middle English well(e), Old English wylle, wella, welle; cognate with German Welle wave; (v.) Middle English wellen, Old English wellan (cognate with Dutch wellen, Old Norse vella); both noun and v. ultimately akin to weallan to boil
Synonyms
3. store, fund, mine, fount.
3. store, fund, mine, fount.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source
|
Link To Better
Collins
World English Dictionary
| better1 (ˈbɛtə) | |
| —adj | |
| 1. | the comparative of good |
| 2. | more excellent than other members of a particular group, category, etc |
| 3. | more suitable, advantageous, attractive, etc |
| 4. | improved in health |
| 5. | fully recovered in health |
| 6. | in more favourable circumstances, esp financially |
| 7. | better off in more favourable circumstances, esp financially |
| 8. | the better part of a large part of: the better part of a day |
| —adv | |
| 9. | the comparative of well |
| 10. | in a more excellent manner; more advantageously, attractively, etc |
| 11. | in or to a greater degree or extent; more: she is better loved than her sister |
| 12. | (Brit intr; US tr) go one better to outdo (a person) or improve upon (someone else's effort) |
| 13. | had better would be wise, sensible, etc to: I had better be off |
| 14. | know better than to not to be so stupid as to |
| 15. | think better of |
| a. to change one's course of action after reconsideration | |
| b. to rate (a person) more highly | |
| —n | |
| 16. | the better something that is the more excellent, useful, etc, of two such things |
| 17. | (usually plural) a person who is superior, esp in social standing or ability |
| 18. | all the better for improved as a result of |
| 19. | all the better to more suitable to |
| 20. | for better for worse whatever the subsequent events or changes may be |
| 21. | for the better by way of improvement: a change for the better |
| 22. | get the better of to defeat, outwit, or surpass |
| 23. | (Irish) the better of having recovered from: I'm not the better of it yet |
| —vb | |
| 24. | to make or become better |
| 25. | (tr) to improve upon; surpass |
| [Old English betera; related to Old Norse betri, Gothic batiza, Old High German beziro] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
good
O.E. god (with a long "o") "having the right or desirable quality," from P.Gmc. *gothaz (cf. O.N. goðr, Du. goed, Ger. gut, Goth. goþs), originally "fit, adequate, belonging together," from PIE base *ghedh- "to unite, be associated, suitable" (cf. O.C.S. godu "pleasing time," Rus. godnyi "fit,
EXPANDsuitable," O.E. gædrian "to gather, to take up together"). Irregular comparatives (better, best) reflect a widespread pattern, cf. L. bonus, melior, optimus. First record of good day is from c.1200. Goods "property" first recorded late 13c., but singular in the same sense was in O.E. The good neighbours is Scot. euphemism for "the fairies" (1580s). Good-for-nothing is from 1711; good-looking is from 1780; good-natured first recorded 1570s. Good sport is from 1917; good to go is attested from 1989.
better
O.E. betera (see best), from P.Gmc. *batizo-, from PIE *bhad- "good." Comparative adj. of good in the older Gmc. languages (cf. O.N. betr, Dan. bedre, Ger. besser, Goth. batiza). Superseded bet in the adverbial sense by 1600. Better half "wife" is
first attested 1570s; to get the better of (someone) is from mid-15c.
well
"hole dug for water, spring of water," O.E. wielle (W.Saxon), welle (Anglian), from wiellan (see well (v.)).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
well  (wěl) Pronunciation Key
A deep hole or shaft sunk into the Earth to tap a liquid or gaseous substance such as water, oil, gas, or brine. If the substance is not under sufficient pressure to flow freely from the well, it must be pumped or raised mechanically to the surface. Water or pressurized gas is sometimes pumped into a nonproducing oil well to push petroleum resources out of underground reservoirs. See also artesian well. |
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Idioms & Phrases
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. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Idioms & Phrases
Dictionary.com, LLC. Copyright © 2012. All rights reserved.