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 ”

Example Sentences

“But the bigger test is whether this evolves into a durable agreement rather than just a fragile pause.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Cohen and her team focused on meiosis rather than other stages of sperm development to ensure that sperm production could be fully stopped while still allowing it to recover later.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Live campus rather than in the heart of Hollywood is expected to allow the academy greater control over crowd flow and event programming, and provide better means for hosting visitors.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

For Alexander-Arnold to change Tuchel's mind at this late stage will not be easy, and his mixed display here may have confirmed misgivings about him rather than enhanced his prospects.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Or rather, the shimmering apparition of a bear.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

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