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

Stewart says the costume wasn’t intended to mock the unhoused, but rather raise awareness of their plight. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2026

The Dolphins — the youngest team in the league — appeared headed for a victory against the reigning AFC champions, a new feather in the cap for first-year head coach Jeff Hafley amid what has been a rather rough start to the 2026 season. — Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026

The piece has a rather minimalist look, with smooth, polished surfaces and no particular decorations, except for a few personal engravings. — Filippo Iarocci, Vanity Fair, 2 Nov. 2026

Riga, with its pre-Revolutionary buildings and rows of Soviet-era prefab housing blocks, provided a rather faithful replica of Russia. — Joshua Yaffa, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 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