rather

adverb

rath·​er ˈra-t͟hər How to pronounce rather (audio)
ˈrä-,
ˈrə-,
 also  ˈre-;
 interjectionally  ˈra-ˈt͟hər,
ˈrä-,
ˈrə-
1
: with better reason or more propriety : more properly
this you should pity rather than despiseWilliam 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 worseMark 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

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 Even so, Liber Pater is not classified as a prestigious Bordeaux Superieur but rather, thanks to its unconventional mix of varieties, is labeled Vin de France, the lowest category in the French-appellation hierarchy, used for entry-level blends with no regional identification. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2024 Without proper lighting, our eyes can struggle to understand the dimensions of a room and create for a rather uninviting vibe. Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2024 Directed by Rob Marshall, the 2011 film does not pick up on the story arc covered in the first three films, but rather expands upon Jack’s adventures at sea and introduces new characters with new objectives. Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 27 Oct. 2024 This wasn’t strict regional Mexicano but, rather, a new interpretation, combining swagger and romanticism. Stephania Taladrid, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for rather 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rather.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rather was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near rather

Cite this Entry

“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rather. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

rather

adverb
rath·​er ˈrat͟h-ər How to pronounce rather (audio)
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

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