the world > action or operation > prosperity > cause to prosper or flourish [verb (transitive)] > increase prosperity of (2)
transitive. To improve the condition or fortune of. Also reflexive: to better oneself, to make an advantageous change in one's condition. Obsolete.
transitive (reflexive). To improve one's character, financial or social condition, level of education, etc.; (in later use esp.) to achieve a higher…