RATHER | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
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English
Meaning of rather in English
ratheradverb uk
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/ˈrɑː.ðər/ us
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/ˈræð.ɚ/
rather adverb
(SMALL AMOUNT)
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B1 quite; to a slight degree: It's rather cold today, isn't it? That's rather a difficult book - here's an easier one for you. The train was rather too crowded for a comfortable journey. She answered the phone rather sleepily. I rather doubt I'll be able to come to your party.
More examplesFewer examplesIt is a rather grey, colourless city, with few interesting sights or historical monuments.His books tend to be rather densely written.The company's prospects for the future are rather dim.She found the formality of the occasion rather daunting.To people who don't know him he probably appears (to be) rather unfriendly.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Some and quite
(a) sort of idiom
a piece/slice/share of the pie idiom
bit
certain
degree
faintly
fairly
ha'porth
halfway
little
mildly
pie
pretty
quite
remotely
several
to a/some degree idiom
touch
trifle
vaguely
See more results »
rather adverb
(MORE EXACTLY)
B2 more accurately; more exactly: She'll fly to California on Thursday, or rather, she will if she has to. He's my sister's friend really, rather than mine.
used to express an opposite opinion: The ending of the war is not a cause for celebration, but rather for regret that it ever happened. No, I'm not tired. Rather the opposite in fact.
More examplesFewer examplesI'll be home before 6, or rather, I will unless I get asked to stay late again.She's not shy. Rather the opposite.She was in a good mood, or rather she was until she heard the bad news.They go on holiday to France every year, or rather, they have done for the last ten years.He's selling his flat, or rather, he will sell it if he can find a buyer.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Also, extra, and in addition
added
additional
additionally
again
along
else
et al.
et cetera
etc.
excess
hand
premium
prepend
rate
regardless
same
secondly
side
suchlike
touch
See more results »
rather adverb
(PREFERENCE)
rather than
B1 instead of; used especially when you prefer one thing to another: I think I'd like to stay at home this evening rather than go out.
See more
would rather
B1 (also 'd rather) used to show that you prefer to have or do one thing more than another: I'd rather have a beer.
See more
Grammar
RatherWe use rather as a degree adverb (rather cold, rather nice). We also use it to express alternatives and preferences (green rather than blue, coffee rather than tea, slowly rather than quickly). …
Rather as a degree adverbWe use rather to give emphasis to an adjective or adverb. It has a similar meaning to quite when quite is used with gradable words. It is more formal than quite. We often use it to express something unexpected or surprising: …
Ratherthan: alternatives and preferencesWe use rather than to give more importance to one thing when two alternatives or preferences are being compared: …
Or ratherWe use or rather to correct ourselves: …
Idiom
rather you than me
ratheradverb, predeterminer uk
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/ˈrɑː.ðər/ us
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/ˈræð.ɚ/
very; to a large degree: Actually, I did rather well in my exams. I've got rather a lot of work to do at the moment.
More examplesFewer examplesHe boobed rather badly by getting her name wrong.I think my husband is the most handsome man in the world, but I realize my judgment is rather subjective.I've had a sort-out in the bedroom - it's looking rather better.I heard something rather worrying at work this morning.Jane has rather a sharp tongue, I'm afraid.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Linguistics: very & extreme
abjectly
absolutely
abundantly
abundantly clear
beyond
biblical
downright
extraordinarily
extremely
imagine
infinitely
particularly
richly
stupefyingly
super
super-duper
super-spectacular
superabundantly
totally
violently
See more results »
Grammar
RatherWe use rather as a degree adverb (rather cold, rather nice). We also use it to express alternatives and preferences (green rather than blue, coffee rather than tea, slowly rather than quickly). …
Rather as a degree adverbWe use rather to give emphasis to an adjective or adverb. It has a similar meaning to quite when quite is used with gradable words. It is more formal than quite. We often use it to express something unexpected or surprising: …
Ratherthan: alternatives and preferencesWe use rather than to give more importance to one thing when two alternatives or preferences are being compared: …
Or ratherWe use or rather to correct ourselves: …
ratherexclamation UK old-fashioned uk
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/ˌrɑːˈðɜːr/ us
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/ˌræðˈɝː/
certainly; yes: "Do you want to come out for dinner with us this evening?" "Rather!"
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Yes, no & not
a sure thing idiom
affirmation
affirmatively
ain't
betcha
bit
didn't
does a bear/do bears shit in the woods? idiom
far
hardly
nah
not that idiom
opposed
self-negating
slight
sure
wasn't
weren't
yes
you bet idiom
See more results »
Grammar
RatherWe use rather as a degree adverb (rather cold, rather nice). We also use it to express alternatives and preferences (green rather than blue, coffee rather than tea, slowly rather than quickly). …
Rather as a degree adverbWe use rather to give emphasis to an adjective or adverb. It has a similar meaning to quite when quite is used with gradable words. It is more formal than quite. We often use it to express something unexpected or surprising: …
Ratherthan: alternatives and preferencesWe use rather than to give more importance to one thing when two alternatives or preferences are being compared: …
Or ratherWe use or rather to correct ourselves: …
(Definition of rather from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
rather | American Dictionary
ratheradverb [ not gradable ] us
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/ˈræð·ər, ˈrɑ·ðər/
rather adverb [not gradable]
(PREFERABLY)
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in preference to, or as a preference: She wants us to meet her here rather than go to her apartment. I’d rather wear the black shoes. She’s saying things that many would rather not hear.
rather adverb [not gradable]
(MORE EXACTLY)
more accurately; more exactly: These were not common criminals, but rather enemies of the state.
ratheradjective, adverb [ not gradable ] us
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/ˈræð·ər, ˈrɑ·ðər/
rather adjective, adverb [not gradable]
(TO SOME DEGREE)
to a noticeable degree; somewhat: It all seems rather unimportant.
(Definition of rather from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
Examples of rather
rather
The intentions of policy thus need to be seen against the plans rather than the outcomes.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
How do you know that said popinjays aren't sitting on the background rather than the stripe (the ordinary)?
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Analysis of single channel records indicate that the effect is to favor transition to a substate rather than to physically alter the conductance pathway.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Their connection was purely mechanical, rather than teleological.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
We can differentiate these categories as purely lexical, rather than syntactic.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
In this sense they corresponded with purely phonological rather than morphosyntactic attributes of the input.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Actual choices are relevant not to the idea of the right but rather to its direction of exercise with respect to the protected domain.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
The findings underline the importance of using specific rather than general tasks to assess phonology, phonological sensitivity, and phonological representations.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Past studies have focused on the effects of density on spoken language processing, rather than the effects of density on the structure of lexical representations.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Clearly, the public health official is not replacing the physician; rather, ethicists now realize a need to be in dialogue with both.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
It is, rather, a matter of what it is that parties can choose and what they can influence.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
This test did not reject the hypothesis of orthogonality so the estimation was done through a random effects model rather than a fixed effects model.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Ground-penetrating radar is also treated rather briefly, with no description of field techniques.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
Therefore, growth rates may increase over time simply because the initial and descendant cells are recovering from treatment rather than evolving.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
The collective results suggest that neural populations, rather than the individual cell, determine the spatial proper ties of its receptive field.
From the Cambridge English Corpus
These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.
What is the pronunciation of rather?
B1,B2,B1,B1
Translations of rather
in Chinese (Traditional)
少量, 相當, 有點，稍微…
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in Chinese (Simplified)
少量, 相当, 有点儿，稍微…
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in Spanish
un tanto, más bien, bastante…
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in Portuguese
um tanto, ou melhor, um pouco…
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in more languages
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in Japanese
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काहीसा, जरासा, खरे तर…
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少し, やや, 正しくは…
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biraz, az çok, oldukça…
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plutôt, un peu, plutôt (que)…
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una mica, més aviat, millor dit…
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tamelijk, liever, eerder…
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மிகவும், ஒரு சிறிய அளவிற்கு, இன்னும் துல்லியமாக…
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पूरी तरह, कुछ हद तक, ज़्यादा सटीक रूप से…
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સારુ એવું, થોડાઘણાં અંશે, વધુ ચોક્કસપણે…
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ret, temmelig, hellere…
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ganska, [jag tror] nästan [att jag har ätit för mycket], hellre…
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agak, lebih suka, lebih tepat…
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ziemlich, lieber, besser gesagt…
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ganske, snarere, heller…
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قدرے, کسی حد تک, ترجیحاً…
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дещо, досить, краще…
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довольно, до некоторой степени, вернее…
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చాలా, స్వల్ప స్థాయికి, ఎక్కువ ఖచ్చితంగా…
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إِلى حَدّ ما, بِالأحرى…
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বেশ, একটু, আরও নিখুঁতভাবে…
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dosti, spíše, raději…
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agak, lebih suka, lebih tepatnya…
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ค่อนข้าง, มากกว่า, ถ้าจะพูดให้ถูก…
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khá, thà, thích hơn…
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dosyć, dość, raczej…
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다소, (앞에 말한 내용과 반대 되며 좀더 정확히 말할 때) 오히려, 차라리…
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piuttosto, assai, anzi…
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rateable value
rateably
rated
rates phrase
rather
rather you than me idiom
ratification
ratified
ratify
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rather than phrase
would rather phrase
rather you than me idiom
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Idioms and phrases
rather than phrase
would rather phrase
rather you than me idiom
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an answer or reaction
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Contents
English
Adverb
rather (SMALL AMOUNT)
rather (MORE EXACTLY)
rather (PREFERENCE)
rather than
would rather
Adverb, predeterminerExclamation
American
Adverb
rather (PREFERABLY)
rather (MORE EXACTLY)
Adjective, adverb
rather (TO SOME DEGREE)
Examples
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Rather Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Rather Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
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Est. 1828
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rather
adverb
rath·er
ˈra-t͟hər
ˈrä-,
ˈrə-,
also ˈre-;
interjectionally ˈra-ˈt͟hər,
ˈrä-,
ˈrə-
Synonyms of rather
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 intensivespent rather a lot of money
Phrases
the rather
archaic
: the more quickly or readily
Synonyms
fain
first
preferably
readily
soon
willingly
See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
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
Haley’s strength was never voters but rather donors who backed her as a Republican alternative to Trump.
—Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024
O’Connell As Hollywood legend or, rather, a recycled talk show anecdote tells us, Kate Winslet keeps her best actress Academy Award for 2008’s The Reader in a guest bathroom.
—Thr Staff, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024
According to The Athletic, the team plans to release tight end Hayden Hurst, despite minimal cap savings and a rather large dead money bill.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024
For example: Attacking someone’s character rather their policies.
—Journal Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2024
Few of the fellow sisters are there for devotion, but rather have been sent by their families for a variety of reasons.
—Callum McLennan, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024
This isn’t a wallflower’s luxury hideaway for Capri refuseniks, but rather the ideal five-star perch for someone who wants to embrace the high-season scene with gusto.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024
Placed next to the competition, the Z Fold 5 is rather chunky.
—Ewan Spence, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024
Billboard reports that the video was not leaked, but rather accessed through open records requests per a spokesperson for Georgia’s Cobb County Jail (where Thug is detained as Atlanta’s RICO case against the rapper and members of his record label unfolds).
—Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2024
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rather.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
See more words from the same century
Phrases Containing rather
rather than
would rather
the exception rather than the rule
sooner rather than later
the rather
Articles Related to rather
33 Transition Words and Phrases
'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next.
'Rather Than': Is It a Conjunction or...
It's both, and we'll tell you why.
Dictionary Entries Near rather
rathe
rather
ratheripe
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Merriam-Webster
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rather. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.
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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
More from Merriam-Webster on rather
Nglish: Translation of rather for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of rather for Arabic Speakers
Last Updated:
10 Mar 2024
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RATHER | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
RATHER | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
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English
Meaning of rather in English
ratheradverb us
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/ˈræð.ɚ/ uk
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/ˈrɑː.ðər/
rather adverb
(SMALL AMOUNT)
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Add to word list
B1 quite; to a slight degree: It's rather cold today, isn't it? That's rather a difficult book - here's an easier one for you. The train was rather too crowded for a comfortable trip. She answered the phone rather sleepily. I rather doubt I'll be able to come to your party.
More examplesFewer examplesIt is a rather gray, colorless city, with few interesting sights or historical monuments.His books tend to be rather densely written.The company's prospects for the future are rather dim.She found the formality of the occasion rather daunting.To people who don't know him he probably appears (to be) rather unfriendly.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Some and quite
(a) sort of idiom
a piece/slice/share of the pie idiom
bit
certain
degree
faintly
fairly
ha'porth
halfway
little
mildly
pie
pretty
quite
remotely
several
to a/some degree idiom
touch
trifle
vaguely
See more results »
rather adverb
(MORE EXACTLY)
B2 more accurately; more exactly: She'll fly to California on Thursday, or rather, she will if she has to. He's my sister's friend really, rather than mine.
used to express an opposite opinion: The ending of the war is not a cause for celebration, but rather for regret that it ever happened. No, I'm not tired. Rather the opposite in fact.
More examplesFewer examplesI'll be home before 6, or rather, I will unless I get asked to stay late again.She's not shy. Rather the opposite.She was in a good mood, or rather she was until she heard the bad news.They go on vacation to France every year, or rather, they have done so for the last ten years.He's selling his apartment, or rather, he will sell it if he can find a buyer.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Also, extra, and in addition
added
additional
additionally
again
along
else
et al.
et cetera
etc.
excess
premium
prepend
rate
regardless
same
secondly
side
suchlike
thing
touch
See more results »
rather adverb
(PREFERENCE)
rather than
B1 instead of; used especially when you prefer one thing to another: I think I'd like to stay home this evening rather than go out.
See more
would rather
B1 (also 'd rather) used to show that you prefer to have or do one thing more than another: I'd rather have a beer.
See more
Grammar
RatherWe use rather as a degree adverb (rather cold, rather nice). We also use it to express alternatives and preferences (green rather than blue, coffee rather than tea, slowly rather than quickly). …
Rather as a degree adverbWe use rather to give emphasis to an adjective or adverb. It has a similar meaning to quite when quite is used with gradable words. It is more formal than quite. We often use it to express something unexpected or surprising: …
Ratherthan: alternatives and preferencesWe use rather than to give more importance to one thing when two alternatives or preferences are being compared: …
Or ratherWe use or rather to correct ourselves: …
Idiom
rather you than me
ratheradverb, predeterminer us
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
/ˈræð.ɚ/ uk
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
/ˈrɑː.ðər/
very; to a large degree: Actually, I did rather well on the tests. I have rather a lot of work to do at the moment.
More examplesFewer examplesHe boobed rather badly by getting her name wrong.I think my husband is the most handsome man in the world, but I realize my judgment is rather subjective.I've had a sort-out in the bedroom - it's looking rather better.I heard something rather worrying at work this morning.Jane has rather a sharp tongue, I'm afraid.
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Linguistics: very & extreme
abjectly
absolutely
abundantly
abundantly clear
beyond
biblical
downright
extraordinarily
extremely
imagine
infinitely
particularly
richly
stupefyingly
super
super-duper
super-spectacular
superabundantly
totally
violently
See more results »
Grammar
RatherWe use rather as a degree adverb (rather cold, rather nice). We also use it to express alternatives and preferences (green rather than blue, coffee rather than tea, slowly rather than quickly). …
Rather as a degree adverbWe use rather to give emphasis to an adjective or adverb. It has a similar meaning to quite when quite is used with gradable words. It is more formal than quite. We often use it to express something unexpected or surprising: …
Ratherthan: alternatives and preferencesWe use rather than to give more importance to one thing when two alternatives or preferences are being compared: …
Or ratherWe use or rather to correct ourselves: …
ratherexclamation UK old-fashioned us
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
/ˌræðˈɝː/ uk
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
/ˌrɑːˈðɜːr/
certainly; yes: "Do you want to come out for dinner with us this evening?" "Rather!"
SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases
Yes, no & not
a sure thing idiom
affirmation
affirmatively
ain't
betcha
bit
didn't
does a bear/do bears shit in the woods? idiom
far
hardly
nah
not that idiom
opposed
self-negating
slight
sure
wasn't
weren't
yes
you bet idiom
See more results »
Grammar
RatherWe use rather as a degree adverb (rather cold, rather nice). We also use it to express alternatives and preferences (green rather than blue, coffee rather than tea, slowly rather than quickly). …
Rather as a degree adverbWe use rather to give emphasis to an adjective or adverb. It has a similar meaning to quite when quite is used with gradable words. It is more formal than quite. We often use it to express something unexpected or surprising: …
Ratherthan: alternatives and preferencesWe use rather than to give more importance to one thing when two alternatives or preferences are being compared: …
Or ratherWe use or rather to correct ourselves: …
(Definition of rather from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)
rather | Intermediate English
ratheradverb [ not gradable ] us
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/ˈræð·ər, ˈrɑ·ðər/
rather adverb [not gradable]
(PREFERABLY)
Add to word list
Add to word list
in preference to, or as a preference: She wants us to meet her here rather than go to her apartment. I’d rather wear the black shoes. She’s saying things that many would rather not hear.
rather adverb [not gradable]
(MORE EXACTLY)
more accurately; more exactly: These were not common criminals, but rather enemies of the state.
ratheradjective, adverb [ not gradable ] us
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
/ˈræð·ər, ˈrɑ·ðər/
rather adjective, adverb [not gradable]
(TO SOME DEGREE)
to a noticeable degree; somewhat: It all seems rather unimportant.
(Definition of rather from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
Examples of rather
rather
I think you'll recognize the third one rather quickly.
From NPR
We're seeing this as a spiritual thing happening rather than a physical thing happening.
From CNN
What if we are not bodies with souls but rather souls with bodies?
From Huffington Post
Most artists would rather retain their freedom and go without.
From Huffington Post
I'd rather do good than sit back and do nothing.
From The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
Rather, it seems to be getting worse by the day.
From National Geographic
It's not so much of what was said, but rather the timing of it.
From TIME
I knew not to take the shouting personally and was able to focus on what was being said, rather than the tone.
From Fast Company
Nothing is more boring than a woman who would rather be liked than say something interesting.
From The Atlantic
Remember this is not about doing for the person but rather being with him or her.
From Huffington Post
It finally feels like the company is trying to make new stars, rather than break them.
From CNET
There is however a rather big problem with this line of thinking.
From TIME
That way you can choose classes that actually help you rather than taking required degree classes that are often of no value.
From Washington Post
Suddenly, faith could be the beginning of wisdom, rather than its end.
From CNN
These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.
What is the pronunciation of rather?
B1,B2,B1,B1
Translations of rather
in Chinese (Traditional)
少量, 相當, 有點，稍微…
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in Chinese (Simplified)
少量, 相当, 有点儿，稍微…
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un tanto, más bien, bastante…
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in Portuguese
um tanto, ou melhor, um pouco…
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काहीसा, जरासा, खरे तर…
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少し, やや, 正しくは…
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biraz, az çok, oldukça…
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plutôt, un peu, plutôt (que)…
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una mica, més aviat, millor dit…
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tamelijk, liever, eerder…
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மிகவும், ஒரு சிறிய அளவிற்கு, இன்னும் துல்லியமாக…
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पूरी तरह, कुछ हद तक, ज़्यादा सटीक रूप से…
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સારુ એવું, થોડાઘણાં અંશે, વધુ ચોક્કસપણે…
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ret, temmelig, hellere…
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ganska, [jag tror] nästan [att jag har ätit för mycket], hellre…
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agak, lebih suka, lebih tepat…
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ziemlich, lieber, besser gesagt…
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ganske, snarere, heller…
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قدرے, کسی حد تک, ترجیحاً…
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дещо, досить, краще…
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довольно, до некоторой степени, вернее…
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చాలా, స్వల్ప స్థాయికి, ఎక్కువ ఖచ్చితంగా…
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إِلى حَدّ ما, بِالأحرى…
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বেশ, একটু, আরও নিখুঁতভাবে…
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dosti, spíše, raději…
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agak, lebih suka, lebih tepatnya…
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ค่อนข้าง, มากกว่า, ถ้าจะพูดให้ถูก…
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khá, thà, thích hơn…
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dosyć, dość, raczej…
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다소, (앞에 말한 내용과 반대 되며 좀더 정확히 말할 때) 오히려, 차라리…
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piuttosto, assai, anzi…
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rateable value
rateably
rated
rates phrase
rather
rather you than me idiom
ratification
ratified
ratify
More meanings of rather
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rather than phrase
would rather phrase
rather you than me idiom
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rather than phrase
would rather phrase
rather you than me idiom
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US
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an answer or reaction
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Contents
English
Adverb
rather (SMALL AMOUNT)
rather (MORE EXACTLY)
rather (PREFERENCE)
rather than
would rather
Adverb, predeterminerExclamation
Intermediate
Adverb
rather (PREFERABLY)
rather (MORE EXACTLY)
Adjective, adverb
rather (TO SOME DEGREE)
Examples
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Grammar
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RATHER Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus
RATHER Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus
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Est. 1828
Thesaurus
Synonyms of rather
as in preferably
as in instead
as in pretty
as in preferablyas in insteadas in pretty
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rather
adverb
Definition of rather
1
as in preferably
by choice or preference
I would rather go to the movies than stay at home
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
preferably
willingly
soon
either
readily
instead
first
alternatively
alternately
fain
voluntarily
optionally
gladly
wishfully
desirably
electively
obligingly
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
involuntarily
reluctantly
unwillingly
forcibly
willy-nilly
2
as in instead
as a substitute
don't think of the placement test as torture but rather as a chance to show off how much you know
Synonyms & Similar Words
instead
first
alternatively
alternately
in lieu
3
as in pretty
to some degree or extent
I say, don't you think that's rather expensive for a hamburger?
Synonyms & Similar Words
pretty
relatively
quite
fairly
somewhat
something
enough
moderately
a little
to a degree
a bit
a mite
of sorts
like
slightly
sort of
kind of
after a sort
of a sort
a tad
kindly
more or less
a touch
vaguely
decently
tolerably
acceptably
little
passably
partly
nominally
partially
negligibly
halfway
incompletely
part
partway
half
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
very
extremely
particularly
highly
especially
heavily
exceedingly
terribly
awfully
exceptionally
greatly
exceeding
deadly
substantially
significantly
frightfully
hugely
considerably
mortally
mightily
beastly
extensively
surpassingly
See More
Articles Related to rather
33 Transition Words and Phrases
'Besides,' 'furthermore,' 'although,' and other words to help you jump from one idea to the next.
'Rather Than': Is It a Conjunction or...
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Thesaurus Entries Near rather
rat finks
rather
ratification
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“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rather. Accessed 12 Mar. 2024.
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RATHER - 17 Synonyms and Antonyms - Cambridge English
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Synonyms and antonyms of rather in English
rather
adverb These are words and phrases related to rather. Click on any word or phrase to go to its thesaurus page. Or,
go to the definition of rather.
I was rather surprised at her behavior.
Synonyms
to a certain extentquiteveryprettysomewhata bitslightlyin some degreecomparativelyrelativelyfairlyin some measuremoderatelysort ofInformal kind ofInformal after a fashionmore or less
Synonyms for rather from Random House Roget's College Thesaurus, Revised and Updated Edition © 2000 Random House, Inc.
Browse
rate of change
rate too highly
rate too low
ratfink
rather
rather poor
rather ugly
rathskeller
ratification
Word of the Day
response
UK
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
/rɪˈspɒns/
US
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
/rɪˈspɑːns/
an answer or reaction
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Forget doing it or forget to do it? Avoiding common mistakes with verb patterns (2)
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has been added to list
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adverb
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RATHER Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com
RATHER Definition & Usage Examples | Dictionary.com
GamesDaily CrosswordWord PuzzleWord FinderAll gamesFeaturedWord of the DaySynonym of the DayWord of the YearNew wordsLanguage storiesAll featuredPop cultureSlangEmojiMemesAcronymsGender and sexualityAll pop cultureWriting tipsGrammar Coach™Writing hubGrammar essentialsCommonly confusedAll writing tipsGamesFeaturedPop cultureWriting tipsrather[ adverb rath-er, rah-ther; interjection rath-ur, rah-thur ]show ipaSee synonyms for rather on Thesaurus.comadverbin a measure; to a certain extent; somewhat: Some of his poems are 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.rather than, instead of: Tutoring is provided by older students rather than teachers.Rather than complain, you should try to make changes.See moreinterjectionChiefly British. emphatically yes; assuredly; without doubt: Is the book worth reading? Rather!Idioms about ratherwould rather, to prefer to; to prefer that: I would much rather we just went home.We would rather go for dinner after the show.: Also Archaic or Literary, had rather .Compare sooner1 (def. 7). Origin of rather1First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English hrathor, comparative of hræth “quick, rathe”Words Nearby ratherrathrathaRathboneratheRathenauratherRathke's pouchratholerathouserathskellerraticideDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024How to use rather in a sentenceFluoride first entered an American water supply through a rather inelegant technocratic scheme.Anti-Fluoriders Are The OG Anti-Vaxxers | Michael Schulson | July 27, 2016 | THE DAILY BEASTTo put it rather uncharitably, the USPHS practiced a major dental experiment on a city full of unconsenting subjects.Anti-Fluoriders Are The OG Anti-Vaxxers | Michael Schulson | July 27, 2016 | THE DAILY BEASTWhat they found was that most people preferred to work with the lovable fool rather than the competent jerk.The Case Against In-Your-Face Atheism | Steve Neumann | January 4, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTWhich is impossible unless people talk publicly rather than letting each crime be its own isolated incident.Cover-Ups and Concern Trolls: Actually, It's About Ethics in Suicide Journalism | Arthur Chu | January 3, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTLady Rose is also rather subdued in the premiere, which is a pity.What Downton’s Fashion Really Means | Katie Baker | January 2, 2015 | THE DAILY BEASTTruth is a torch, but one of enormous size; so that we slink past it in rather a blinking fashion for fear it should burn us.Pearls of Thought | Maturin M. BallouIt ended on a complaint that she was 'tired rather and spending my time at full length on a deck-chair in the garden.'The Wave | Algernon BlackwoodI was rather awed by his imposing appearance, and advanced timidly to the doors, which were of glass, and pulled the bell.Music-Study in Germany | Amy FayWere you ever arrested, having in your custody another man's cash, and would rather go to gaol, than break it?The Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801) | Daniel DefoeThe streets here are rather wide for an Italian city but would be deemed intolerably narrow in America.Glances at Europe | Horace GreeleySee More ExamplesBritish Dictionary definitions for ratherrather/ (ˈrɑːðə) /adverb(in senses 1-4, not used with a negative)relatively or fairly; somewhat: it's rather dullto a significant or noticeable extent; quite: she's rather prettyto a limited extent or degree: I rather thought that was the casewith better or more just cause: this text is rather to be deleted than rewrittenmore readily or willingly; sooner: I would rather not see you tomorrowSee moresentence connectoron the contrary: it's not cold. Rather, it's very hot indeedsentence substitute(ˈrɑːˈðɜː)an expression of strong affirmation, often in answer to a question: Is it worth seeing? Rather!Origin of rather1Old English hrathor comparative of hræth ready, quick; related to Old Norse hrathrusage For ratherBoth would and had are used with rather in sentences such as I would rather (or had rather) go to the film than to the play. Had rather is less common and is now widely regarded as slightly old-fashionedCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012Other Idioms and Phrases with ratherrathersee had rather.The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.Browse#aabbccddeeffgghhiijjkkllmmnnooppqqrrssttuuvvwwxxyyzzAboutCareersShopContact usAdvertise with usCookies, terms, & privacyDo not sell my infoFollow usGet the Word of the Day every day!Sign upBy clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.My account© 2024 Dictionary.com, LLC