Word: better (adjective/adverb)

Associations

"Better" is used to show improvement or superiority. It means something is of higher quality or more desirable than something else.

• Example 1: "This book is better than the last one I read." (Here, "better" shows that the current book is superior.)
• Example 2: "I feel better today than I did yesterday." (In this context, "better" indicates an improvement in feeling.)
• Example 3: "He is a better swimmer than his brother." (This means he swims more skillfully.)

A well-known synonym for "better" is "superior." The main difference is that "better" is often used in everyday conversation, while "superior" is more formal and might be used in specific contexts, like comparisons in academic or professional settings.

Substitution

You can use other words or phrases in place of "better" depending on the context:

• "Improved" (e.g., "I have improved my skills.")
• "Superior" (e.g., "This option is superior.")
• "Preferable" (e.g., "This choice is preferable.")

Using these substitutes can change the tone or formality of your sentence.

Deconstruction

The word "better" comes from the Old English "betra," which means "more good."

• There is no prefix or suffix in "better."
• It is the comparative form of "good," which helps indicate that something is more good than something else.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you chose something because it was better than another option?
• How do you decide what is better for you in different situations, like food, clothes, or friends?
• In what ways can "better" be used to encourage someone else?