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

They had been rather carelessly overfilled and half an inch of gas sloshed on top of the barrels. —Charles Elliott, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2025

The Leafs’ power play never overwhelmed teams with shot volume and scoring chances, but rather worked the puck to high-danger areas, pounced on rebounds and offered a lot of shooting options between Knies and John Tavares at the net and Matthews and William Nylander from the flanks. —James Mirtle, New York Times, 1 May 2025

Savannah isn’t known for flashy, multimillion-dollar properties; rather, the genteel Georgia city is dotted with elegant homes filled with history and character. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 1 May 2025

It’s mostly not used to refer to someone with heartfelt emotions but rather connotes a level of insidiousness or carelessness under the guise of progressivism. —Mikelle Street, Them., 1 May 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