Crossword Genius

Surrounded by booze, a teetotaller is all the more praiseworthy (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

better

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'all the more praiseworthy' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'surrounded by booze a teetotaller' is the wordplay.
'surrounded by' indicates putting letters inside (I've seen this in other clues).
'booze' becomes 'beer'.
'a teetotaller' becomes 'tt' (abbreviation).
'beer' placed around 'tt' is 'BETTER'.

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for better that I've seen before include "Not as bad" , "no longer sick" , "Recovered; gambler" , "M ore appropriate" , "One may lay" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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