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

And there were a number of ramifications from these very unusual proceedings, from what should have been week two of a blockbuster, rather historic antitrust trial. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026

And for many fans, supporting Summit FC goes beyond soccer but rather what the team represents. —Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026

Wealth is no longer defined by accumulation; rather, wealth may be determined by the efficiency of one’s cash flow. —Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026

The clerk's rather mundane tasks include keeping records and collecting payments for the county court system, in addition to managing the bureaucracy of local elections. —Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026

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