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

See Examples For:

rather

Unless previously deported, living in the country illegally is considered a civil violation rather than a crime and carries penalties such as arrests, fines and deportation proceedings.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2026

He cited jitters over firms exploring data centre rental -- rather than construction -- and the emergence of new high-efficiency AI requiring a lower memory taskload.

From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026

Clayton also said his role was to deal with foreign interference in U.S. elections, rather than domestic matters.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

Millard said Niesr was advocating for cost-of-living measures to be funded through higher taxes – "which could involve tax reform rather than higher marginal rates" – or spending cuts.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

To be learning about these boys rather than just imagining them, to be trying to solve the mystery of the call in an orderly way rather than merely by hopping on trains.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

Related Words

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