rather

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Used to specify a choice or preference

   Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)

   • I'd rather not have spent all the money, but it really was an emergency.
   • I would like this one rather than the other one.
   • I s'pose we'd better clean the kitchen, but we had much rather not do anything right now.
2. 2

   Used to introduce a contradiction

   Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.

   • It wasn't supposed to be popular; rather, it was supposed to get the job done.
   • She didn't go along, but rather went home instead.
3. 3

   Introducing a qualification or clarification

   Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)

   • What the pupil already knew was indeed rather taken for granted than expressed, but it performed the useful function of transcending all textbooks, and supplanting all studies.
4. ›+ 7 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Somewhat, quite

      Somewhat, quite; to an unexpected degree.

      • It's been rather/quite a good meal overall, but this melon is rather too tasteless.
      • We had some rather worse news today.
      • We’ll be seeing rather a lot of you over the next few days.
   2. 5

      More quickly.

      • Pompey, being elated and filled with confidence by this victory, made all haste to engage Sertorius himself, and the rather lest Metellus should come in for a share in the honour of the victory.
   3. 6

      Prior

      Prior; earlier; former.

      • Now no man dwelleth at the rather town of Damietta.
   4. 7

      An enthusiastic affirmation.

      • Would you like some? –Rather!
      • "Do you mean to say, young man," she said frostily, "that you expect me to drink this stuff?" ¶ "Rather! Bucks you up, you know."
      • "Farewell, Daughter of Eve," said he. "Perhaps I may keep the handkerchief?" "Rather!" said Lucy, and then ran towards the far-off patch of daylight as quickly as her legs would carry her.
   5. 8

      A choice or a preference.

      • If I had my rathers I'd make up my own band. Art Blakey on the skins, Charlie Mingus on the bass, John Coltrane on the sax, Harry Edison on the horn-
      • I would rather do it by myself. I would rather, if I had my rathers, not be seen doing it.
   6. 9

      To prefer

      To prefer; to prefer to.

      • You'd rather us be dead.
      • It was a plain brown dress, more or less the colour of my hair; and the walls of our kitchen being also brown, when I came downstairs again I could hardly be seen. I should have rathered a blue gown, or a violet one; […]
   7. 10

      A surname.

The neighborhood