1 rather than | Definition of rather than

rather than

conjunction

Definition of rather than

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 used with the infinitive form of a verb to indicate negation as a contrary choice or wish rather than continue the argument, he walked awaychose to sing rather than play violin
2 : and not obscures rather than resolves the problem why do one thing rather than another? happy rather than sad

rather than

preposition

Definition of rather than (Entry 2 of 2)

: instead of rather than being pleased, she was angry

First Known Use of rather than

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Preposition

1595, in the meaning defined above

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More from Merriam-Webster on rather than

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with rather than

Britannica English: Translation of rather than for Arabic Speakers