Dictionary entry

Better (3)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Bet″ter, adv.; compar. of Well. 1. In a superior or more excellent manner; with more skill and wisdom, courage, virtue, advantage, or success; as, Henry writes better than John; veterans fight better than recruits.

I could have better spared a better man.

Shak.

2. More correctly or thoroughly.

The better to understand the extent of our knowledge.

Locke.

3. In a higher or greater degree; more; as, to love one better than another.

Never was monarch better feared, and loved.

Shak.

4. More, in reference to value, distance, time, etc.; as, ten miles and better.

To think better of (any one), to have a more favorable opinion of any one. — To think better of (an opinion, resolution, etc.), to reconsider and alter one's decision.