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 of rather

• preferably
• willingly
• soon

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

This character of aberrance is what makes accidental surfing deaths seem inevitable—or, rather, inexorable, built into the subway’s force. —Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025

The lack of competition means the greatest fear many lawmakers have is not the prospect of losing to the other party in a general election but rather being snuffed out in a primary by a more ideological and extreme challenger. —Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025

Nathan and everyone else here is ideally supportive; the sole negativity comes from the parents, who come off as rather one-dimensional caricatures of glint-eyed intolerance in their few scenes. —Dennis Harvey, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025

Still, the rather conventional yacht with a tasteful but not outlandish interior, has a serious hull that is designed for serious blue-water voyaging. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025

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

Rhymes for rather

• gather
• lather

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