had rather

Idioms  

1. Also, had sooner. Would prefer. For example, I had rather you let me do the driving, or He'd sooner switch than fight. This idiom today is often replaced by would rather. [Late 1500s] Also see just as soon.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

had rather

Under constant surveillance by her master, Jacobs similarly wrote, “I had rather live and die in jail than drag on, from day to day, through such a living death.”

From Salon ● Nov. 10, 2024

Early SigAlerts had rather a small-town feel, like a town crier.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2024

The school says this is because they were not removed from their roles - but had rather been suspended.

From BBC ● Apr. 30, 2024

By the time he was fully committed to his career, “I had rather lost interest, as far as pursuing a Ph.D. or teaching or going into the corporate world,” he said.

From New York Times ● Jul. 7, 2022

“I had rather hoped you’d fall for that one,” said the other Clara, who was clearly not Clara.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny