rather

Pronunciation

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adverb

Positive rather

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. If something is rather large, different, difficult, etc., it is quite that way.

   I saw something rather unusual this morning.

2. When you would rather do something, you want to do it more than something else.

   I would rather see a film (than stay home).

3. instead of

   He went rather than stay behind and be alone.

4. You use or rather to change what you have just said.

   I went there, or rather I had planned to go there, last week.

Coordinator

Coordinator rather

1. $x$$x$ rather than $y$$y$ is $x$$x$, not $y$$y$

   We're going to do it sooner rather than later.

   People who learn languages quickly are the exception rather than the rule.

   The prices are likely to increase rather than decrease.

Synonyms

• not
• instead

Interjection

Interjection rather

1. You use rather to show that you agree strongly.

   "Did you like the movie?" "Rather!"