rather

American  

[rath-er, rah-ther, rath-ur, rah-thur] / ˈræð ər, ˈrɑ ðər, ˈræðˈɜr, ˈrɑˈðɜr /

adverb

1. in a measure; to a certain extent; somewhat.

   Some of his poems are rather good.

2. in some degree.

   I rather thought you would regret it.

3. more properly or justly; with better reason.

   The contrary is rather to be supposed.

4. sooner; more readily or willingly.

   to die rather than yield.

5. more properly or correctly speaking; more truly.

   He is a painter or, rather, a watercolorist.

6. on the contrary.

   It's not generosity, rather self-interest.

7. rather than, instead of.

   Tutoring is provided by older students rather than teachers.

   Rather than complain, you should try to make changes.

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interjection

1. Chiefly British. emphatically yes; assuredly; without doubt.

   Is the book worth reading? Rather!

idioms

1. would rather, to prefer to; to prefer that: Also had rather

   I would much rather we just went home.

   We would rather go for dinner after the show.

rather British  

/ ˈrɑːðə /

adverb

1. relatively or fairly; somewhat

   it's rather dull

2. to a significant or noticeable extent; quite

   she's rather pretty

3. to a limited extent or degree

   I rather thought that was the case

4. with better or more just cause

   this text is rather to be deleted than rewritten

5. more readily or willingly; sooner

   I would rather not see you tomorrow

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1. on the contrary

   it's not cold. Rather, it's very hot indeed

1. an expression of strong affirmation, often in answer to a question

   Is it worth seeing? Rather!

rather More Idioms  

1. see had rather.

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Usage

Both would and had are used with rather in sentences such as I would rather (or had rather ) go to the film than to the play. Had rather is less common and is now widely regarded as slightly old-fashioned

Etymology

Origin of rather

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English hrathor, comparative of hræth “quick, rathe ”

Explanation

Use rather to specify a preference for one thing over another. Wouldn't you rather go to the movies than stay home and clean the house? Rather can also be used to mean "on the contrary," or to introduce a contradiction. You didn't believe in ghosts — rather thinking there was a scientific explanation for any ghostly appearances — until you saw a ghost yourself. The adverb rather also means "to a certain degree." You might grudgingly admit that your mom's strange-sounding chocolate-avocado pudding was actually rather tasty.

Example Sentences

Rather than being fixed, it appears to maintain a hidden запас of connections, ready to be activated when new experiences demand it.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

Rather, it is Xavier Becerra, the former Health and Human Services secretary, who seems to have gained momentum.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Rather than shut it off, he left the room and took the call.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Rather, they voted against the suggestion that the Fed’s next move would be a cut.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

"Rather, it is from my private collection. Keep it, as a thank-you for your efforts."

From "Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher" by Bruce Coville

Related Words

• a bit
• a little
• comparatively
• fairly
• kind of
• pretty
• quite
• relatively
• slightly
• somewhat