资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Better \Bet"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Bettered}; p. pr. & vb.
   n. {Bettering}.] [AS. beterian, betrian, fr. betera better.
   See {Better}, a.]
   1. To improve or ameliorate; to increase the good qualities
      of.

            Love betters what is best.            --Wordsworth.

            He thought to better his circumstances. --Thackeray.

   2. To improve the condition of, morally, physically,
      financially, socially, or otherwise.

            The constant effort of every man to better himself.
                                                  --Macaulay.

   3. To surpass in excellence; to exceed; to excel.

            The works of nature do always aim at that which can
            not be bettered.                      --Hooker.

   4. To give advantage to; to support; to advance the interest
      of. [Obs.]

            Weapons more violent, when next we meet, May serve
            to better us and worse our foes.      --Milton.

   Syn: To improve; meliorate; ameliorate; mend; amend; correct;
        emend; reform; advance; promote.

资料来源 : WordNet®

bettering
     adj : changing for the better [ant: {worsening}]