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

The company has forged ahead with Gemini's expansion in the intervening months, making Assistant's demise rather unsurprising. —Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025

Poland isn’t considering a return to universal military service, but rather a reserve system based on the model in Switzerland, where every man is obliged to serve in the armed forces or an alternative civilian service. —Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025

What’s fascinating about Soderbergh’s approach to the film – and what his critics seemed to not realize – is there was little attempt to bring the audience inside the rather distant leader and create a subjective viewing experience where the audience identified with Che. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 14 Mar. 2025

But their enthusiasm doesn’t quite rub off on the customers, who’d rather not chow down green meat. —Marianne Eloise, Vulture, 14 Mar. 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