1
: to some degree or extent
Yesterday was a rather [=fairly] hot day.
That sounded rather [=quite a bit] like thunder.
a rather [=quite] common flower
It's getting rather [=pretty] late. We'd better get to bed.
The movie is a comedy, but rather a dull one.
a rather [=somewhat] serious condition
I think the children watch rather too much television.
It rather annoyed me that he was late picking me up.
—often used to make a statement less forcefulHe has been spending rather a lot of money lately.
She rather likes chocolate.
To tell you the truth, I rather think you are wrong.
You're driving rather fast, don't you think?
2
a
—used to introduce a statement that indicates what is true after you have said what is not true
I don't like chocolate—rather, I love chocolate.
What matters is not how often you call, but rather what you say.
It wasn't red but rather a shade of bright orange.
b
—used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said
We can take the car, or rather, the van.
My father, or rather, my stepfather, will be visiting soon.
3
British, old-fashioned
—used to express agreement
"Wasn't the show fantastic?" "Rather!"
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rather. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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