rather

adverb

rath·​er ˈra-t͟hər 

ˈrä-,

ˈrə-,

 also  ˈre-;

 interjectionally  ˈra-ˈt͟hər,

ˈrä-,

ˈrə-

1

: with better reason or more propriety : more properly

this you should pity rather than despise

—William Shakespeare

2

: more readily or willingly : preferably

I'd rather not go

would rather read than watch television

—often used interjectionally to express affirmation

3

: more correctly speaking

my father, or rather my stepfather

4

: to the contrary : instead

was no better but rather grew worse

—Mark 5:26 (Revised Standard Version)

5

: in some degree : somewhat

it's rather warm

—often used as a mild intensive

spent rather a lot of money

Phrases

the rather

archaic : the more quickly or readily

Synonyms

• fain
• first
• preferably
• readily
• soon
• willingly

Examples of rather in a Sentence

The movie is a comedy, but rather a dull one.

I think the children watch rather too much television.

It rather annoyed me that he was late picking me up.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even so, Liber Pater is not classified as a prestigious Bordeaux Superieur but rather, thanks to its unconventional mix of varieties, is labeled Vin de France, the lowest category in the French-appellation hierarchy, used for entry-level blends with no regional identification. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2024

Without proper lighting, our eyes can struggle to understand the dimensions of a room and create for a rather uninviting vibe. —Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024

Directed by Rob Marshall, the 2011 film does not pick up on the story arc covered in the first three films, but rather expands upon Jack’s adventures at sea and introduces new characters with new objectives. —Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024

This wasn’t strict regional Mexicano but, rather, a new interpretation, combining swagger and romanticism. —Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hrathor, comparative of hrathe quickly; akin to Old High German rado quickly, Old English hræd quick

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rather

• rather than
• sooner rather than later
• the exception rather than the rule
• would rather

Kids Definition

rather

adverb

rath·​er ˈrat͟h-ər 

ˈrät͟h-,

ˈrət͟h-

1

: more willingly

would rather stay home

2

: more exactly : more properly

my father, or, rather, my stepfather

3

: instead

was no better but rather grew worse

4

: somewhat entry 2

rather cold today