better

Better is the comparative form of the adjective good. It is used to express improvement or a higher quality relative to something else and can function as both an adjective and an adverb. In sentences such as "This plan is better than that one" or "You should feel better," better signals relative advantage or progress. The phrase "the better" can refer to the more favorable option or to an improved version of something.

Originating in Old English as betera, the comparative form of bet, which historically related to "good," the word has remained the standard comparative for "good" in modern English. Its irregular historical development mirrors similar patterns in other Germanic languages, where language users rely on "better" to convey improvement or increased desirability.

Usage notes: as a grammatical form, better functions as an adjective when comparing qualities (This is better), and as an adverb when describing actions (Finish it better). It can also appear as a noun phrase, as in "the better of two choices" or in idioms such as "the better part of discretion" and "better late than never."

Beyond grammar, "Better" appears as a popular title or theme across media, including songs, albums, and films, reflecting the notion of improvement, progress, or moral quality. It is commonly used in discussions of personal development, politics, and ethics to denote a more favorable alternative or outcome.