Definition of 'rather'

Word Frequency

rather

(rɑːðəʳ

, ræð-

)

See rather than

2. adverb

You use rather when you are correcting something that you have just said, especially when you are describing a particular situation after saying what it is not.

Twenty million years ago, Idaho was not the arid place it is now. Rather, it was warm and damp.

But there must be no talk of final victory; rather, the long, hard slog to a solution.

The process is not a circle but rather a spiral.

He explained what the Crux is, or rather, what it was.

Synonyms: more exactly, to be precise, more precisely, to be exact More Synonyms of rather

See would rather

4. adverb [ADVERB adjective/adverb]

You use rather to indicate that something is true to a fairly great extent, especially when you are talking about something unpleasant or undesirable.

I grew up in rather unusual circumstances.

It had made some rather bad mistakes which I thought should be corrected.

He had had an excellent dinner at a rather good local hotel.

The first speaker began to talk, very fast and rather loudly.

We got along rather well.

I'm afraid it's rather a long story.

The reality is rather more complex.

As you can see, he did rather better for himself than I did.

...a figure rather too good to be true.

The fruit is rather like a sweet chestnut.

Robbie was there with his family, keeping rather in the background.

Synonyms: to some extent, quite, sort of [informal], kind of [informal] More Synonyms of rather

5. adverb [ADVERB before verb]

You use rather before verbs that introduce your thoughts and feelings, in order to express your opinion politely, especially when a different opinion has been expressed.

[politeness]

I rather think he was telling the truth.

I rather like the decorative effect.

6. convention

People sometimes say rather to express agreement or acceptance.

[British, mainly formal, old-fashioned]

'Well, he did have a sort of family connection with it, didn't he.'—'Oh yes. Rather.'

More Synonyms of rather

Video: pronunciation of
rather

rather in British English

(ˈrɑːðə

)

adverb (in senses 1-4, not used with a negative)

relatively or fairly; somewhat

it's rather dull

to a significant or noticeable extent; quite

she's rather dull

to a limited extent or degree

I rather thought that was the case

with better or more just cause

this text is rather to be deleted than rewritten

rather in American English

(ˈræðər ; ˈrɑðər ; for interj. ˈræˈðɜr ; ˈrɑˈðɜr )

adverb

1. Obsolete

more quickly; sooner

more willingly; preferably

would you rather have tea?

with more justice, logic, reason, etc.

one might rather say

more accurately; more precisely

his sister, or rather, stepsister

on the contrary; quite conversely

not a help, rather a hindrance

somewhat; to some degree

rather hungry

interjection

7. Chiefly British

yes; certainly

Idioms:

had rather

rather than

would rather

Word origin

ME < OE hrathor, compar. of hrathe, hræthe, quickly: see rathe

Word Frequency

rather in American English

(adverb ˈræðər, ˈrɑːðər, interjection ˈræðˈɜːr, ˈrɑːˈðɜːr)

adverb

in a measure; to a certain extent; somewhat

rather good

in some degree

I rather thought you would regret it

more properly or justly; with better reason

The contrary is rather to be supposed

sooner; more readily or willingly

to die rather than yield

more properly or correctly speaking; more truly

He is a painter or, rather, a watercolorist

on the contrary

It's not generosity, rather self-interest

7. See had rather

interjection

8. chiefly Brit

emphatically yes; assuredly; without doubt

Is the book worth reading? Rather!

Word origin

[bef. 900; ME; OE hrathor, comp. of hræth quick, rathe]

Examples of 'rather' in a sentence
rather

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In this series look to the captains rather than the coaches.The approaching storm is suggested rather than explicitly shown.This party declaration concealed rather than disclosed the statutory information.Not only did he arrive in a blur of promise that has since rather stalled.It would take itself to the public rather than the public taking itself to the memorial.The tone of volume three is rather different.He would often rather we just go out for a meal or watch a movie together.We would much rather learn from it.She would rather talk about childcare and parental leave than immigration and welfare.These questions often divide rather than unite existing parties.