Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun An improvement over what has been the case.
  • noun Law An improvement beyond normal upkeep and repair that adds to the value of real property.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A making better; improvement.
  • noun In American law, an improvement of real property which adds to its value otherwise than by mere repairs: generally used in the plural.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun A making better; amendment; improvement.
  • noun (Law), United States An improvement of an estate which renders it better than mere repairing would do; -- generally used in the plural.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun An improvement.
  • noun law An improvement to a property that adds to its value.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a change for the better; progress in development
  • noun the act of relieving ills and changing for the better
  • noun an improvement that adds to the value of a property or facility

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Using that newfound focus against NBC or for their mutual betterment is a choice left to O'Brien, but he can use the fictional Conan as a guideline for what to do next — practice patience, proceed with caution, but always carry a massive weapon and do not hesitate to use it.

    Conan O’Brien Should Draw Inspiration From ‘Conan The Barbarian’ In Today’s Sick Day Stash! » MTV Movies Blog 2010

  • This business about racial betterment is pretty creepy but her clearly expressed sentiment — that women having accurate information about contraception will be the best judges of how many children they will have and at what time — is tough to argue with.

    The Volokh Conspiracy » Whitewashing Progressivism 2010

  • And it has certainly fed the national appetite for belief in betterment ...

    11.03 M-mv 2003

  • And it has certainly fed the national appetite for belief in betterment ...

    Archive 2003-11-01 M-mv 2003

  • And it has certainly fed the national appetite for belief in betterment ...

    10.03 M-mv 2003

  • And it has certainly fed the national appetite for belief in betterment ...

    11.03 M-mv 2003

  • The degree of social progress and economic betterment is not a matter which either labour or management can arbitrarily determine.

    Peace, Freedom, Social Justice—Indivisible Values 1955

  • Human welfare and betterment is of paramount consideration, and I think the time has clearly arrived when the representatives and people comprising the various municipalities in the Toronto area should face up to the situation.

    Amalgamation vs. Cumming Plan 1953

  • Despite all this it must be remembered that the Indian farmer-and 90% of India's population are farmers-is the most conservative in the world, and his betterment is retarded by the hostile propaganda of Indian agitators.

    The Political Situation in India 1931

  • But if that's the case, AT&T should have been smart enough to know that for the long-term betterment of the company, it may have been wise to get out of the iPhone exclusivity agreement earlier.

    Original Signal - Transmitting Web 2.0 2010

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