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.
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.
—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.
Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor: a good experience; good news from the hospital.
Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing in a particular thing: a good exterior paint; a good joke.
Serving the desired purpose or end; suitable: Is this a good dress for the party?
Not spoiled or ruined: The milk is still good.
In excellent condition; sound: a good tooth.
Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.
Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.
Of high quality: good books.
Discriminating: good taste.
Reliable; sure: a good investment.
Valid or true: a good reason.
Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.
In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.
Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
Ample; substantial: a good income.
Bountiful: a good table.
Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
Socially correct; proper: good manners.
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.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Not spoiled or ruined: The milk is still good.
In excellent condition; sound: a good tooth.
Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.
Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.
Of high quality: good books.
Discriminating: good taste.
Reliable; sure: a good investment.
Valid or true: a good reason.
Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.
In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.
Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
Ample; substantial: a good income.
Bountiful: a good table.
Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
Socially correct; proper: good manners.
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.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Superior to the average; satisfactory: a good student.
Used formerly to refer to the U.S. Government grade of meat higher than standard and lower than choice.
Of high quality: good books.
Discriminating: good taste.
Reliable; sure: a good investment.
Valid or true: a good reason.
Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.
In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.
Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
Ample; substantial: a good income.
Bountiful: a good table.
Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
Socially correct; proper: good manners.
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.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Of high quality: good books.
Discriminating: good taste.
Reliable; sure: a good investment.
Valid or true: a good reason.
Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.
In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.
Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
Ample; substantial: a good income.
Bountiful: a good table.
Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
Socially correct; proper: good manners.
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.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Worthy of respect; honorable: ruined the family's good name.
Attractive; handsome: good looks.
Beneficial to health; salutary: a good night's rest.
Competent; skilled: a good machinist.
Complete; thorough: a good workout.
Reliable; sure: a good investment.
Valid or true: a good reason.
Genuine; real: a good dollar bill.
In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.
Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
Ample; substantial: a good income.
Bountiful: a good table.
Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
Socially correct; proper: good manners.
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.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
In effect; operative: a warranty good for two years; a driver's license that is still good.
Able to continue in a specified activity: I'm good for another round of golf.
Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
Ample; substantial: a good income.
Bountiful: a good table.
Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
Socially correct; proper: good manners.
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.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Able to pay or contribute: Is she good for the money that you lent her?
Able to elicit a specified reaction: He is always good for a laugh.
Ample; substantial: a good income.
Bountiful: a good table.
Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
Socially correct; proper: good manners.
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.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Ample; substantial: a good income.
Bountiful: a good table.
Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
Socially correct; proper: good manners.
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.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Full: It is a good mile from here.
Pleasant; enjoyable: had a good time at the party.
Propitious; favorable: good weather; a good omen.
Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
Socially correct; proper: good manners.
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.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Of moral excellence; upright: a good person.
Benevolent; kind: a good soul; a good heart.
Loyal; staunch: a good Republican.
Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
Socially correct; proper: good manners.
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.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Well-behaved; obedient: a good child.
Socially correct; proper: good manners.
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.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Sports
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.
Passing between the uprights of the goal and therefore scoring, as a field goal in football.
Used to form exclamatory phrases expressing surprise or dismay: Good heavens! Good grief!
n.
Something that is good.
A good, valuable, or useful part or aspect.
Commodities; wares: frozen goods.
Portable personal property.
(used with a sing. or pl. verb) Fabric; material.
Welfare; benefit: for the common good.
Goodness; virtue: There is much good to be found in people.
goods
Commodities; wares: frozen goods.
Portable personal property.
(used with a sing. or pl. verb) Fabric; material.
goodsSlang 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.
Successfully or effectively: gets along well with people.
In a comfortable or affluent manner: lived well.
In a manner affording benefit or gain; advantageously: married well.
With reason or propriety; reasonably: can't very well say no.
In all likelihood; indeed: You may well need your umbrella.
In a prudent or sensible manner: You would do well to say nothing more.
In a close or familiar manner: knew them well.
In a favorable or approving manner: spoke well of them.
Thoroughly; completely: well cooked; cooked well.
Perfectly; clearly: I well understand your intentions.
To a suitable or appropriate degree: This product will answer your needs equally well.
To a considerable extent or degree: well over the estimate.
With care or attention: listened well.
Entirely; fully: well worth seeing.
adj.
better, best
In a satisfactory condition; right or proper: All is well.
Not ailing, infirm, or diseased; healthy. See Synonyms at healthy.
Cured or healed, as a wound.
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.
Advisable; prudent: It would be well not to ask.
Fortunate; good: It is well that you stayed.
Advisable; prudent: It would be well not to ask.
Fortunate; good: It is well that you stayed.
interj.
Used to introduce a remark, resume a narrative, or fill a pause during conversation.
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.
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.
(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"
[bet-er] Pronunciation Key