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

: 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

Full Definition of RATHER

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

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Examples of RATHER

1. The movie is a comedy, but rather a dull one.
2. I think the children watch rather too much television.
3. It rather annoyed me that he was late picking me up.

Origin of RATHER

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

Related to RATHER

Synonyms

fain, first, preferably, readily, soon, willingly

Antonyms

involuntarily, unwillingly

Related Words

alternately, alternatively, either, instead; electively, optionally; desirably, gladly, wishfully; obligingly, voluntarily

Near Antonyms

reluctantly; forcibly, willy-nilly

Rhymes with RATHER

bother, father, pother