well-off / well-to-do

[Etern1ty]

Hello
Could you explain the difference between well-off and well-to-do? Both mean wealthy and rich?
And also there is better-off, is it just for comparing with well-off or.. I'm confused. Like "Those are well-off people but these are better-off"?
:-?
Thanks in advance.

 

[riquecohen]

Hello
Could you explain the difference between well-off and well-to-do? Both mean wealthy and rich?
And also there is better-off, is it just for comparing with well-off No. or.. I'm confused. Like "Those are well-off people but these are better-off"? This sentence makes sense.
:-?
Thanks in advance.

Well-off and well-to-do both mean fairly rich.
Better-off is not used in the manner you´ve suggested, but rather to compare one situation (not necessarily financial) with another or with a previous situation.
She´s much better-off since she got rid of her husband. (Emotionally or financially.)
The family is better-off since both children started their new jobs. (Financially, thereby leading to better housing, etc.)
He´s better-off in his new job. (Better working conditons, shorter commute, nicer boss, etc.)
The Smiths are better-off than the Browns. (In terms of income, housing, possessions, etc).