Main Entry: rath·er

Pronunciation: \ˈra-thər, ˈrä-, ˈrə- also ˈre-; interjectionally ˈra-ˈthər, ˈrä-, ˈrə-\

Function: adverb

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

Date: before 12th century

1 : with better reason or more propriety : more properly <this you should pity rather than despise — 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>

— the rather archaic : the more quickly or readily