rather
adverb
rath·er
| \ ˈra-t͟hər
, ˈrä-, ˈrə- also ˈre-; interjectionally ˈra-ˈt͟hər, ˈrä-, ˈrə-\
, ˈrä-, ˈrə- also ˈre-; interjectionally ˈra-ˈt͟hər, ˈrä-, ˈrə-\
Definition 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 intensive spent rather a lot of money
the rather
archaic
: the more quickly or readily
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Synonyms & Antonyms for rather
Synonyms
fain, first, preferably, readily, soon, willingly
Antonyms
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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
In fact, the executive branch’s authority over fracking is rather profoundly limited by statute. — David French, National Review, "Elizabeth Warren’s ‘Plans for Everything’ Consistently Violate the Law," 9 Sep. 2019 While the Diamondbacks could block him from pursuing such an opportunity, clubs often do not stand in the way if an executive would rather be someplace else, even in the event of a possible lateral move. — Nick Piecoro, azcentral, "Red Sox front office shakeup has Diamondbacks’ GM Hazen in rumor mill," 9 Sep. 2019 The first name any opponent will talk about on Creek’s roster isn’t the quarterback, isn’t a running back, isn’t the placekicker but rather an offensive lineman. — Robert Avery, Houston Chronicle, "Deer Park opens two-game road trip with pesky Clear Creek Friday night," 6 Sep. 2019 Viewed through this agricultural lens, the Red River Valley’s notoriously cold winters didn’t represent a shortcoming, but rather a positive natural amenity, one that made possible a lifestyle unavailable just about anywhere else. — Christopher Ingraham, Washington Post, "My time among the beet jockeys of northern Minnesota," 6 Sep. 2019 At a time when the Indian government is considering censoring over the top (OTT) streaming platforms, Netflix may be in for a rather rude shock. — Manavi Kapur, Quartz India, "Netflix has joined the list of things that Indians want banned," 6 Sep. 2019 Still, Luster and Osterberg said their studies were not conclusive, but rather add to the growing body of data. — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, "'Extreme' personal grooming isn't linked to increased risk of STIs," 4 Sep. 2019 The head of the family was the father, who was not expected to play a big role in domestic life, but rather to be concerned with public or military affairs. — Raquel López, National Geographic, "Did sons and daughters get the same education in ancient Greece?," 28 Aug. 2019 Tehama isn't offering turnkey homes but rather land (on a mix of open meadows, hillsides and forested areas); seven of the final 30 lots are for sale and range in price from $1.5 million to $6.3 million. — Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, "Clint Eastwood Unveils Carmel Haven for Nature-Lovers: "It's Really Come Out the Way I Wanted"," 23 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rather.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for rather
rather
adverb
English Language Learners Definition of rather
: 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
See the full definition for rather in the English Language Learners Dictionary
rather
adverb
rath·er
| \ ˈra-t͟hər
\
\
Kids Definition of rather
1
: somewhat entry 2
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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