rather

adverb

rath·​er ˈra-t͟hər How to pronounce rather (audio)
ˈrä-,
ˈrə-,
 also  ˈre-;
 interjectionally  ˈra-ˈt͟hər,
ˈrä-,
ˈrə-
1
: with better reason or more propriety : more properly
this you should pity rather than despiseWilliam 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 worseMark 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But Pedro, or Joel, rather, is so painfully handsome, whoever was describing him to Abby couldn’t overlook that fact. Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 25 May 2025 While Lamont points with pride to the large surpluses achieved during his tenure, critics say these weren’t inessential funds but rather were leeched from core programs that have been dangerously undermined. Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025 At its core, this recipe is a rather basic staple for a classic carrot cake, calling for a short-ish list of ingredients. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 25 May 2025 In choosing that very name, however, the World War I Generation didn’t celebrate an American victory but rather celebrated the end of a traumatically destructive conflict. Michael Szalma, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for rather

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of rather was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rather. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

rather

adverb
rath·​er ˈrat͟h-ər How to pronounce rather (audio)
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

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