rather
in 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.
Chiefly British. emphatically yes; assuredly; without doubt: Is the book worth reading? Rather!
Idioms about rather
would 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 rather
1Words Nearby rather
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use rather in a sentence
Fluoride first entered an American water supply through a rather inelegant technocratic scheme.
To put it rather uncharitably, the USPHS practiced a major dental experiment on a city full of unconsenting subjects.
What they found was that most people preferred to work with the lovable fool rather than the competent jerk.
Which 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.
Truth 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 streets here are rather wide for an Italian city but would be deemed intolerably narrow in America.
Glances at Europe | Horace Greeley
British Dictionary definitions for rather
/ (ˈrɑːðə) /
relatively or fairly; somewhat: it's rather dull
to a significant or noticeable extent; quite: she's rather pretty
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
more readily or willingly; sooner: I would rather not see you tomorrow
on the contrary: it's not cold. Rather, it's very hot indeed
an expression of strong affirmation, often in answer to a question: Is it worth seeing? Rather!
Origin of rather
1usage For rather
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with rather
see had rather.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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