rather
word
/ˈɹæðɝ/, /ˈɹəðɝ/
RA-thur, RUH-thur
/ɹˈɑːðɐ/
RAH-thuh
Definition
'Rather' can mean 'somewhat' or 'to a certain degree', or it can express a preference for one thing over another.
Usage & Nuances
Used for soft emphasis ('rather cold'), polite corrections ('It’s not blue, but rather green'), and expressing preferences ('I’d rather stay home'). Often more formal or British than 'pretty' or 'kind of'. Place 'rather' before adjectives/adverbs, and in 'would rather' for preferences.
Spanish: más bien - bastante - preferiríaPortuguese (BR): mais - bastante - prefeririaPortuguese (PT): mais - bastante - preferiaChinese (Simplified): 相当 - 宁愿 - 更喜欢Chinese (Traditional): 相當 - 寧願 - 更喜歡Hindi: काफी - बल्कि - अधिक पसंदArabic: إلى حد ما - بالأحرى - أُفضلBengali: বরং - কিছুটা - বেশRussian: довольно - скорее - предпочтительноJapanese: かなり - むしろVietnamese: khá - thay vào đóKorean: 꽤 - 오히려Turkish: oldukça - daha ziyadeUrdu: بلکہ - کافیIndonesian: agak - lebih suka
Example Sentences
She finished the test rather quickly.
basic
It's rather cold today.
basic
Would you rather have tea or coffee?
basic
I'd rather stay home tonight than go out.
natural
It wasn't bad—it was rather interesting, actually.
natural
It's not blue, but rather green.
natural