geriau

Geriau is a Lithuanian word that functions as a comparative adverb meaning "better." It is the comparative form associated with the adverb gerai and the adjective geras, used to express improvement, greater quality, or a more favorable manner of doing something. In sentences, geriau typically modifies a verb or describes a change in action or state. Examples include: "Ji kalba lietuviškai geriau nei anksčiau" (She speaks Lithuanian better than before), "Jis dirba geriau" (He works better), and "Geriau daryti dabar" (Better to do it now). A common comparative construction is "geriau nei" meaning "better than," as in "geriau nei nieko" (better than nothing).

Grammatical notes: Geriau is invariable with respect to gender and number, functioning as an adverb. It does not form separate gendered or plural variants. The related forms include the positive adverb gerai ("well") and the superlative form geriausiai ("best"), while the opposite comparative adverb is blogiau ("worse").

Etymology: The word is linked to the root ger- found in Lithuanian words for good, such as geras ("good") and gerai ("well"). It shares cognates with other Baltic languages through the common semantic field of quality and evaluation.

Usage and register: Geriau is common in both spoken and written Lithuanian and appears in everyday speech, formal writing, and idiomatic expressions. It is frequently used in comparisons, recommendations, and statements about relative quality or performance, including proverbs or conditional clauses like "Geriau daryti dabar" (It is better to do it now).