bet·ter

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

• adjective Greater in excellence or higher in quality.
• adjective More useful, suitable, or desirable.
• adjective More highly skilled or adept.
• adjective Greater or larger.
• adjective More advantageous or favorable; improved.
• adjective Healthier or more fit than before.
• adverb In a more excellent way.
• adverb To a greater extent or degree.
• adverb To greater advantage; preferably.
• adverb More.
• noun One that is greater in excellence or higher in quality.
• noun A superior, as in standing, competence, or intelligence.
• intransitive verb To make better; improve.
• intransitive verb To surpass or exceed.
• intransitive verb To become better.
• idiom (better off) In a better or more prosperous condition.
• idiom (for the better) Resulting in or aiming at an improvement.
• idiom (get/have) To outdo or outwit; defeat.
• idiom (think better of) To change one's mind about (a course of action) after reconsideration.