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

• fain
• first
• preferably
• readily
• soon
• willingly

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

Any winnings from Mizuhara’s gambling were not placed back in Ohtani’s account but rather in Mizuhara’s personal account, Estrada said. —Holly Yan, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024

Or rather, against the comedy that’s allowed to be broadcast to mainstream audiences. —Manuel Betancourt, Los Angeles Times, 12 Apr. 2024

The team’s medical staff wasn’t looking to diagnose problems among the athletes on a one-off basis, but rather to spot and mitigate any factors that could impact success on the field over time. —Robin Cole, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2024

Another factor could be that Instagram and TikTok have become rather helpful brand ambassadors for the species, with cat videos promoting a wide range of cat expressiveness (one such cat video inspired Vaughn to add a scene into Argylle where Alfie attacks Bryan Cranston). —James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024

While not technically a headliner, but rather occupying the special bottom billing spot on the lineup, No Doubt's reunion is going to be the hella good highlight of both weekends of the festival. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2024

Flowers can wither rather quickly once cut, especially if the weather and cutting conditions aren’t ideal. —Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024

Images came through of the two black holes—or, rather, of the ring of stuff falling into the black holes. —Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2024

Forecast in detail March is going out rather peacefully. —Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 30 Mar. 2024

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
• the rather
• would rather

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