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

These locations are projected to pick up the heaviest snowfall rates and totals from the start of the weekend into part of the day on Sunday, which could make for rather challenging and dangerous at times. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Nov. 2025

But as these things go, a 10% collective projection qualifies as rather upbeat – the average strategist target has been at or below the index level most of this year. —Michael Santoli, CNBC, 29 Nov. 2025

Unlike how many women in older novels were treated, however, Lady Susan isn't punished for her ways, but rather comes out as happily as any of the story's more virtuous characters, including Frederica, for whom Lady Susan displays no maternal love. —Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025

Which renders the cataclysmic decision of who Nancy might choose to snog next rather anticlimactic, and maybe even redundant. —Charley Ross, Glamour, 29 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