The best/better part of something

phrase

Nearly all or the majority of something.

He spent the better part of his life living abroad.
Visual representation of "the best/better part of something" - Nearly all or the majority of something

Often appears as...

  • the best part of an hour
  • the better part of my life
phrase

The most effective, advantageous, or desirable part of something.

The best part of this recipe is how simple it is to make.
Visual representation of "the best/better part of something" - The most effective, advantageous, or desirable part of something

Often appears as...

  • the best part of the deal
  • the better part of the plan

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Nearly all or the majority of something.

He spent the better part of his life living abroad.
Visual representation of "the best/better part of something" - Nearly all or the majority of something

Often appears as...

  • the best part of an hour
  • the better part of my life
phrase

The most effective, advantageous, or desirable part of something.

The best part of this recipe is how simple it is to make.
Visual representation of "the best/better part of something" - The most effective, advantageous, or desirable part of something

Often appears as...

  • the best part of the deal
  • the better part of the plan

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "the best/better part of something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Time Expressions

Often used with time-related words to emphasize a long duration spent.

Illustration for Time Expressions
She was waiting for the better part of an hour.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Exaggeration Caution

Avoid using it to exaggerate small portions; it suggests a substantial amount.

Illustration for Exaggeration Caution
She laughed for the better part of the evening, not just a few minutes.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Literal

Can be figurative, doesn't always mean a precise measure but implies a lot.

Illustration for Not Always Literal
He's had the better part of the company's success attributed to him.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Time Expressions

Often used with time-related words to emphasize a long duration spent.

Illustration for Time Expressions
She was waiting for the better part of an hour.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Exaggeration Caution

Avoid using it to exaggerate small portions; it suggests a substantial amount.

Illustration for Exaggeration Caution
She laughed for the better part of the evening, not just a few minutes.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Literal

Can be figurative, doesn't always mean a precise measure but implies a lot.

Illustration for Not Always Literal
He's had the better part of the company's success attributed to him.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Time Expressions

Often used with time-related words to emphasize a long duration spent.

Illustration for Time Expressions
She was waiting for the better part of an hour.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Exaggeration Caution

Avoid using it to exaggerate small portions; it suggests a substantial amount.

Illustration for Exaggeration Caution
She laughed for the better part of the evening, not just a few minutes.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Always Literal

Can be figurative, doesn't always mean a precise measure but implies a lot.

Illustration for Not Always Literal
He's had the better part of the company's success attributed to him.
Visual representation of the word "The best/better part of something"

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