First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
rather
adverb rath·er \ˈra-thər, ˈrä-, ˈrə- also ˈre-; interjectionally ˈra-ˈthər, ˈrä-, ˈrə-\
: to some degree or extent
—used to introduce a statement that indicates what is true after you have said what is not true
—used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said
Full Definition of RATHER
1
: with better reason or more propriety : more properly <this you should pity rather than despise — 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>
— the rather
archaic : the more quickly or readily
See rather defined for English-language learners
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Origin of RATHER
Middle English, from Old English hrathor, comparative of hrathe quickly; akin to Old High German rado quickly, Old English hræd quick
Related to RATHER
- Antonyms
- involuntarily, unwillingly
RATHER Defined for Kids
rather
adverb rath·er \ˈra-thər\
Definition of RATHER for Kids
1
: 2somewhat <It's a rather cold day.>
2
: more willingly <I would rather stay home.>
3
: more correctly or truly <It's just ten minutes away, or rather nine and a half.>
4
: instead <The meals were not better but rather worse.>
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