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Synonyms

rather

American  
[rath-er, rah-ther, rath-ur, rah-thur] / ˈræð ər, ˈrɑ ðər, ˈræðˈɜr, ˈrɑˈðɜr /

adverb

  1. in a measure; to a certain extent; somewhat.

    Some of his poems are rather good.

  2. in some degree.

    I rather thought you would regret it.

  3. more properly or justly; with better reason.

    The contrary is rather to be supposed.

  4. sooner; more readily or willingly.

    to die rather than yield.

  5. more properly or correctly speaking; more truly.

    He is a painter or, rather, a watercolorist.

  6. on the contrary.

    It's not generosity, rather self-interest.

  7. rather than, instead of.

    Tutoring is provided by older students rather than teachers.

    Rather than complain, you should try to make changes.

interjection

  1. Chiefly British. emphatically yes; assuredly; without doubt.

    Is the book worth reading? Rather!

idioms

  1. would rather, to prefer to; to prefer that: Also had rather

    I would much rather we just went home.

    We would rather go for dinner after the show.
rather British  
/ ˈrɑːðə /

adverb

  1. relatively or fairly; somewhat

    it's rather dull

  2. to a significant or noticeable extent; quite

    she's rather pretty

  3. to a limited extent or degree

    I rather thought that was the case

  4. with better or more just cause

    this text is rather to be deleted than rewritten

  5. more readily or willingly; sooner

    I would rather not see you tomorrow
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

  1. on the contrary

    it's not cold. Rather, it's very hot indeed
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

  1. an expression of strong affirmation, often in answer to a question

    Is it worth seeing? Rather!
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
rather More Idioms  

  1. see had rather.

Usage

Both would and had are used with rather in sentences such as I would rather (or had rather ) go to the film than to the play. Had rather is less common and is now widely regarded as slightly old-fashioned

Etymology

Origin of rather

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English hrathor, comparative of hræth “quick, rathe ”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He also said that since WhatsApp is a messaging service rather than a product, users can opt out and switch to alternatives such as Signal or Telegram if they are uncomfortable with its data-sharing policies.

From BBC

"I just want to spread love rather than hate."

From BBC

She says you have to do so "not when everything is dramatic" but rather "long before that".

From BBC

This disparity encourages many homeowners to stay put rather than move to a different home and take on a higher tax bill.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the same time, the president reopened a diplomatic track, saying he would rather cut a deal than attack.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.