Better
v.hopeful, capableformal
What it means
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.
Choose between these
6- everyday
broad positive change is intended
not when surpassing a rival is the point
- warm
people's conditions or spirits rise
not when technical performance is measured
- professional
an existing strength or feature increases
not when basic repair is needed first
- professional
resilience or capability grows
not when appearance is the main improvement
- formal
progress toward a goal or cause matters
not when personal conduct is being refined
- literary
careful adjustment adds precision or polish
not when large structural change is required
Said against
3- worsen
- degrade
- impair
It naturally appears in
3- 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.
Where this comes from
- Wiktionary, Verb sense 1: improve opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.