betterness
English
[edit]Etymology
[edit]From Middle English betternes. Equivalent to better + -ness.
Noun
[edit]betterness (countable and uncountable, plural betternesses)
- (uncountable) The state or quality of being better; superiority.
- 2022, NoViolet Bulawayo, Glory, Chatto & Windus, page 198:
- And how in the first place do you want to live in a better country when you yourself aren’t trying to be that betterness, when you’re willingly surrendering your right to shape that country?
- (countable) The result or product of being better.
- (minting) The amount by which a precious metal exceeds the standard of fineness.