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- Dictionaryrather/ˈrɑːðə/
adverb
- 1. used to indicate one's preference in a particular matter: "would you like some wine or would you rather stick to sherry?" Similar
- 2. to a certain or significant extent or degree: "she's been behaving rather strangely" Similar
exclamation
- 1. used to express emphatic affirmation, agreement, or acceptance: dated British "‘You are glad to be home, aren't you?’ ‘Rather!’"
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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)
The meaning of RATHER is with better reason or more propriety : more properly. How to use rather in a sentence.
You use rather before verbs that introduce your thoughts and feelings, in order to express your opinion politely, especially when a different opinion has been expressed.
Definition of rather adverb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Rather than usually occurs between two things which are being compared. However, we can also use it at the beginning of a sentence. When we use rather than with a verb, we use the base form or (less commonly) the -ing form of a verb: Rather than pay the taxi fare, he walked home. (or Rather than paying the taxi fare, he walked home.)
adverb. /ˈræðər/ used to mean “fairly” or “to some degree,” often when you are expressing slight criticism, disappointment, or surprise The instructions were rather complicated. She fell and hurt her leg rather badly. I didn't fail the exam; in fact I did rather well! It was a rather difficult question. It was rather a difficult question.
There are 30 meanings listed in OED's entry for the adverb rather, seven of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
You use rather when you are correcting something that you have just said, especially when you are describing a particular situation after saying what it is not.
Use rather to specify a preference for one thing over another. Wouldn't you rather go to the movies than stay home and clean the house? Rather can also be used to mean "on the contrary," or to introduce a contradiction. You didn't believe in ghosts — rather thinking there was a scientific explanation for any ghostly appearances — until you ...
Meaning & use. Pronunciation. Forms. Frequency. Factsheet. What does the noun rather mean? There is one meaning in OED's entry for the noun rather. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence. This word is used in midland U.S. English and southern U.S. English. See meaning & use. How common is the noun rather?
