betterness en · NOUN
Etymology
From Middle English betternes. Equivalent to better + -ness.
Meanings
-
(uncountable) The state or quality of being better; superiority.
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?
2022, NoViolet Bulawayo, Glory, Chatto & Windus, page 198:
- (countable) The result or product of being better.
- (countable, qualifier:minting, uncountable) The amount by which a precious metal exceeds the standard of fineness.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| betternesses | Number=Plur | lexicographic |