rather

play

adverb rath·er \ˈra-thər, ˈrä-, ˈrə- also ˈre-; interjectionally ˈra-ˈthər, ˈrä-, ˈrə-\

Simple Definition of rather

: to some degree or extent
—used to introduce a statement that indicates what is true after you have said what is not true
—used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

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>

See rather defined for English-language learners

See rather defined for kids

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 12th century

play

adverb rath·er \ˈra-thər\

1 : ²somewhat <It's a rather cold day.>
2 : more willingly <I would rather stay home.>
3 : more correctly or truly <It's just ten minutes away, or rather nine and a half.>
4 : instead <The meals were not better but rather worse.>