Rather

/ˈɹɑː.ðə(ɹ)/ · adverb

Meaning

Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than).

Definitions by Sense

1. Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)
2. (conjunctive) Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.
3. (conjunctive) Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)
4. (degree) Somewhat, quite; to an unexpected degree.
5. (obsolete) More quickly.
6. (obsolete) Prior; earlier; former.
7. (England, dated) An enthusiastic affirmation.
8. (informal, dated, uncommon) A choice or a preference.

Example Sentences

I'd rather not have spent all the money, but it really was an emergency.

I would like this one rather than the other one.

I s'pose we'd better clean the kitchen, but we had much rather not do anything right now.

Tomorrow's impossible. We'd rather you came next weekend.

They'd rather've spent the money on a holiday.

Firstly, I continue to base most species treatments on personally collected material, rather than on herbarium plants.

I'd rather dance with you than talk with you / So why don't we just move into the other room

It wasn't supposed to be popular; rather, it was supposed to get the job done.

Synonyms for rather

Antonyms for rather

Related Words

Word Forms

• raither
• rathers
• rathering
• rathered

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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