Cool MateBetter
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.