rather

adverb

rath·​er ˈra-t͟hər How to pronounce rather (audio)
ˈrä-,
ˈrə-,
 also  ˈre-;
 interjectionally  ˈra-ˈt͟hər,
ˈrä-,
ˈrə-
1
: with better reason or more propriety : more properly
this you should pity rather than despiseWilliam 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 worseMark 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
Phrases
the rather
archaic : the more quickly or readily

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.
Recent Examples on the Web Haley’s strength was never voters but rather donors who backed her as a Republican alternative to Trump. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 O’Connell As Hollywood legend or, rather, a recycled talk show anecdote tells us, Kate Winslet keeps her best actress Academy Award for 2008’s The Reader in a guest bathroom. Thr Staff, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 According to The Athletic, the team plans to release tight end Hayden Hurst, despite minimal cap savings and a rather large dead money bill. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2024 For example: Attacking someone’s character rather their policies. Journal Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2024 Few of the fellow sisters are there for devotion, but rather have been sent by their families for a variety of reasons. Callum McLennan, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 This isn’t a wallflower’s luxury hideaway for Capri refuseniks, but rather the ideal five-star perch for someone who wants to embrace the high-season scene with gusto. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024 Placed next to the competition, the Z Fold 5 is rather chunky. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024 Billboard reports that the video was not leaked, but rather accessed through open records requests per a spokesperson for Georgia’s Cobb County Jail (where Thug is detained as Atlanta’s RICO case against the rapper and members of his record label unfolds). Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rather.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hrathor, comparative of hrathe quickly; akin to Old High German rado quickly, Old English hræd quick

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rather was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near rather

Cite this Entry

“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rather. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rather

adverb
rath·​er ˈrat͟h-ər How to pronounce rather (audio)
ˈrät͟h-,
ˈrət͟h-
1
: more willingly
would rather stay home
2
: more exactly : more properly
my father, or, rather, my stepfather
3
: instead
was no better but rather grew worse
4
: somewhat entry 2
rather cold today

More from Merriam-Webster on rather

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