Rather
/ˈrɑːðər/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo a certain extent or degree; somewhat.
/ˈrɑːðər/
To some extent; quite; somewhat
I am rather tired after the long journey.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're describing something. If you say it's 'rather' nice, you're saying it's a little bit nice, but not super amazing.
👶 For kids: It means 'a little bit'. Like, 'It's rather sunny today!'
More Examples
The movie was rather boring.
She's rather intelligent.
How It's Used
"It's rather cold today."
"She's rather shy."
Used to indicate what one would prefer or choose to do or have.
/ˈrɑːðər/
More willingly or readily; preferably
I would rather walk than take the bus.
💡 Simply: It's about choosing! If you say you'd 'rather' eat ice cream than cake, it means you like ice cream more.
👶 For kids: It means you like something more than something else. Like, 'I'd rather play outside!'
More Examples
She'd rather go swimming.
He would rather have pizza for dinner.
How It's Used
"I would rather stay home than go to the party."
"I'd rather have tea than coffee."
Used to introduce a statement that corrects or contrasts with a previous one.
/ˈrɑːðər/
On the contrary; more accurately
He didn't misunderstand; rather, he was misinformed.
💡 Simply: You use it to say what's *really* true. Like, "It wasn't the dog's fault; rather, it was the cat!"
👶 For kids: It means 'actually' or 'really'. Like, 'It wasn't a bug; rather, it was a bee!'
More Examples
It wasn't a question of ability; rather, it was a lack of experience.
She didn't fail; rather, she succeeded beyond expectations.
How It's Used
"It wasn't a mistake; rather, it was intentional."
"It wasn't rain; rather, it was hail."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
I'd rather...
Expressing a preference or a choice.
"I'd rather stay home tonight."
Rather than
Used to show contrast or make an alternative choice.
"Rather than go to the cinema, let's stay home."
Rather more
A bit more; somewhat more.
"The cost of the trip was rather more than I expected."
From Middle English *rather*, earlier *raþer*, from Old English *hraþor* meaning 'sooner, more quickly, earlier', comparative of *hræd* ('quick, swift').
Used since Old English, reflecting degrees and preferences.
Memory tip
Think of a 'rather' large amount - it means 'a bit'.
Word Origin
"sooner, more quickly, earlier"