rather
Americanadverb
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in a measure; to a certain extent; somewhat.
Some of his poems are rather good.
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in some degree.
I rather thought you would regret it.
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more properly or justly; with better reason.
The contrary is rather to be supposed.
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sooner; more readily or willingly.
to die rather than yield.
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more properly or correctly speaking; more truly.
He is a painter or, rather, a watercolorist.
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on the contrary.
It's not generosity, rather self-interest.
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rather than, instead of.
Tutoring is provided by older students rather than teachers.
Rather than complain, you should try to make changes.
interjection
idioms
adverb
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relatively or fairly; somewhat
it's rather dull
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to a significant or noticeable extent; quite
she's rather pretty
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to a limited extent or degree
I rather thought that was the case
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with better or more just cause
this text is rather to be deleted than rewritten
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more readily or willingly; sooner
I would rather not see you tomorrow
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 ”
Explanation
Use rather to specify a preference for one thing over another. Wouldn't you rather go to the movies than stay home and clean the house? Rather can also be used to mean "on the contrary," or to introduce a contradiction. You didn't believe in ghosts — rather thinking there was a scientific explanation for any ghostly appearances — until you saw a ghost yourself. The adverb rather also means "to a certain degree." You might grudgingly admit that your mom's strange-sounding chocolate-avocado pudding was actually rather tasty.
Vocabulary lists containing rather
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.
“Then you may leave me here,” he says, “for I should rather take my chances on this God-forsaken island than to trust my life to a ship full of holes and captained by a fool.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
One part of the plan means that most jailed offenders on fixed terms will leave jail after serving a third of their term behind bars, rather than at the halfway point.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
They also examine the Smithsonian’s uncertain legal status, and whether the museum’s real problem is chaotic organization rather than ideology.
From Slate ● Jul. 23, 2026
“The citation is geared towards improving motorist behavior, improving the sort of conditions on the road rather than increasing the sort of revenue for the city,” Thomas said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026
Helen glances at me a few times, and it’s odd to see her out of my left eye rather than my right, but after the first half hour she stops checking in on me.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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.