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rather
[ adverb rath-er, rah-ther; interjection rath-ur, rah-thur ]
/ adverb ˈræð ər, ˈrɑ ðər; interjection ˈræðˈɜr, ˈrɑˈðɜr /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adverb
interjection
Chiefly British. emphatically yes; assuredly; without doubt: Is the book worth reading? Rather!
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Idioms about rather
would rather, to prefer to; to prefer that: I would much rather we just went home.We would rather go for dinner after the show.Also Archaic or Literary, had rather .Compare sooner1 (def. 7).
Origin of rather
Words nearby rather
rath, ratha, Rathbone, rathe, Rathenau, rather, Rathke's pouch, rathole, rathouse, rathskeller, raticide
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use rather in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for rather
rather
/ (ˈrɑːðə) /
adverb (in senses 1-4, not used with a negative)
sentence connector
on the contraryit's not cold. Rather, it's very hot indeed
sentence substitute (ˈrɑːˈðɜː)
an expression of strong affirmation, often in answer to a questionIs it worth seeing? Rather!
Word Origin for rather
Old English hrathor comparative of hræth ready, quick; related to Old Norse hrathr
usage for rather
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
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with rather
rather
see had rather.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.