To improve the quality, condition, prospects, or conduct of someone or something.
Reach for it when describing deliberate action that produces a more favorable state
The cooperative uses shared equipment to better the prospects of small farms.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
everyday
Fits when broad positive change is intended
Not when surpassing a rival is the point
warm
Fits when people's conditions or spirits rise
Not when technical performance is measured
professional
Fits when an existing strength or feature increases
Not when basic repair is needed first
professional
Fits when resilience or capability grows
Not when appearance is the main improvement
formal
Fits when progress toward a goal or cause matters
Not when personal conduct is being refined
literary
Fits when careful adjustment adds precision or polish
Not when large structural change is required
better the community
The apprentices designed benches to better the community they serve.
better oneself
She returned to evening classes to better herself on her own terms.
better the odds
Early screening can better the odds of timely treatment.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
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