mejor (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Adjective

Phonetic Transcription

/meˈxoɾ/

Translation Options into English

• Better
• Best
• Improvement
• Improvement (as a noun)

Meaning and Usage

The word "mejor" translates to "better" in English and is often used to denote a higher quality or more favorable condition compared to something else. In Spanish, it's a comparative form of the adjective "bueno" (good). It is frequently used in both spoken and written contexts, with no significant preference for either.

Example sentences: - Este libro es mejor que el otro.
This book is better than the other one.

• Debes hacer un esfuerzo por ser mejor.
  You should make an effort to be better.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Mejor" is a key part of several idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are a few:

1. Mejor prevenir que lamentar.
   Better to be safe than sorry.

2. Es mejor tarde que nunca.
   Better late than never.

3. No hay mal que por bien no venga, mejor que nada.
   Every cloud has a silver lining; better than nothing.

4. Hacer algo "mejor que bien".
   To do something "better than well".

5. Estar mejor que nunca.
   To be better than ever.

Etymology

The term "mejor" originates from the Latin word melior, which means "better." Its evolution follows the typical pathways of Latin to Romance languages, maintaining a similar meaning while being adapted in spelling and pronunciation.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: superior, óptimo (best), preferible (preferable)
• Antonyms: peor (worse)

This comprehensive overview provides a detailed insight into the word "mejor," highlighting its usage, idiomatic variations, etymology, and related lexical aspects.