BET'TER, a comp. of bet. See Best.] 1. Having good qualities in a greater degree than another; applied to physical, acquired or moral qualities; as a better soil, a better man, a better physician, a better house, a better air, a better harvest.2. More advantageous. Were it not better for us to return to Egypt: Ex.14.3. More acceptable. To obey is better than sacrifice. 1 Sam.15.4. More safe. It is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man. Ps.118.5. Improved in health; less affected with disease; as, the patient is better.6. To be better off, to be in a better condition. Beddoes,Hygeia. This is a very common phrase; but ought not off, to be of? It is not elegant.7. To have the better, is to have the advantage or superiority, followed by of before him or that over which the advantage is enjoyed; as, the English had the better of the Spaniards.8. To get or gain the better, is to obtain the advantage, superiority or victory; as, to get the better of an enemy.9. For the better, is for the advantage or improvement.BET'TER, adv. In a more excellent manner; with more skill and wisdom, virtue, advantage or success; as, to perform work better; to plan a scheme better; land better cultivated; laws better executed; government better administered. 1. More correctly, or fully; as, to understand a subject better than another.2. With superior excellence; as, to write or speak better than another.3. With more affection; in a higher degree; as, to love one better than another.It is not easy to specify and exemplify the various applications of better. In general,it implies what is more excellent, advantageous, useful, or virtuous, than something else. BET'TER, v.t. 1. To improve; to meliorate; to increase the good qualities of; as, manure betters land; discipline may better the morals.2. To surpass; to exceed. The works of nature do always aim at that which cannot be bettered. Qu.is not the sense, made better: 3. To advance; to support; to give advantage to; as, to better a party; to better a cause.BET'TER, n. A superior; one who has a claim to precedence on account of his rank, age, or office; as, give place to your betters. It is generally or always used in the plural. |
Why Donate?
Here are a number of reasons:
To indicate your approval.
To express your appreciation.
To help pay for website expenses and keep this website online.
Donate Using PayPal
If you have a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or a PayPal account, donating is easy. Just click the dollar amount below to donate:
Donations from Outside of the United States
We welcome donations from anywhere in the world and in any currency. PayPal accepts a number of international currencies.
Donations by Other Methods
If you wish to donate via direct bank deposit or mail a cheque or money order, please
email me
.
|
| Firefox Plugin |
| I | S |
 |
1828 Webster's |
Add Search
To Your Site |
[ + ] |
|
|
|
In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 
