A1adjectivehigh_frequency_chunk

Better

UK /["/ˈbetə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈbetər/"]/

Definition

of a higher standard or less poor quality; not as bad as something else

In simple words: More good than something else.

Examples

  • I feel better after taking a short walk outside.
  • She always tries to make better choices when it comes to food.
  • This new phone is much better than my old one.
  • He is a better player now than he was last year.
  • Can we find a better solution to this problem?

Usage notes

Used to compare two things. It is appropriate in most contexts but avoid using it in overly formal writing; in that case, use 'superior'.

Grammar pattern

better + than + object

Memory hint

Think of 'bet' as a wager; if you bet on something better, you'll win!

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • considerably
  • even
  • far
  • no better
  • nothing better than
  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • considerably
  • even
  • far
  • no better
  • nothing better than
  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • a lot
  • much
  • a good deal
  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • a lot
  • much
  • a good deal

Synonyms

  • superior
  • improved
  • enhanced
  • finer

Antonyms

  • worse

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'gooder' as a comparative form.
  • Using 'better' without a comparison (e.g., 'This is better.' needs a reference).
  • Incorrectly using 'better' as an adjective without context.