English Profile

better · adjective

/ˈbet̬.ər/Full view

better (HIGHER STANDARD)

A1 (comparative of good) of a higher quality, more effective, or more enjoyable than something or someone else

Dictionary examples:

She found a better job.

The movie was better than I expected.

She is a lot better at tennis than I am.

If you cook it this way it's much better.

Relations between the two countries have never been better.

He stood near the front to get a better view.

The situation is getting better all the time.

The longer you keep this wine, the better it tastes.

The bed was hard, but it was better than nothing.

Learner example:

It is a better pen than others. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

better (HEALTHY)

A1 healthy, or less ill than before

Dictionary examples:

Do you feel better now?

Is your stomach ache better?

I hope you get better soon.

Learner example:

I visited my cousin last night in the hospital he was ill. He is now better. (Key English Test; A2; Turkish)

have seen better days

C2 to look old or be in bad condition because of a lot of use

Dictionary example:

This jacket has seen better days.

Learner example:

In the dense fog he managed to see a man standing nearby, whose clothes ha[d] definitely seen better days. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

better · adverb

/ˈbet̬.ər/

better

A2 (comparative ofwell) to a greater degree, or in a more successful or more effective way

Dictionary examples:

I'd like to get to know him better.

Helen did much better than I did in the exam.

Learner example:

But she expl[ained everything] very clear[ly], so I understood better. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Polish)

I/you/he, etc. had better do sth ()

A2 used to say what someone should do

Dictionary examples:

You'd better hurry or you'll miss the train.

He'd better not be late.

Learner example:

You'd better bring a notebook. (Key English Test; A2; Spanish)

know better

C2 to have enough experience not to do something stupid or something that will not achieve anything

Dictionary example:

I thought she'd listen to me - I should have known better.

Learner example:

Surely two grown-ups should have known better than to shout at each other at the top of their lungs. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Italian)