# rather

Pronunciation: US say "RA-thur" /ˈɹæðɚ/; UK say "RAH-thuh" /ˈɹɑː.ðə(ɹ)/

## Adverb

1. Used to indicate a choice or preference for one thing over another; preferably, now usually followed by 'than.'
   - Simple: Used to show you prefer one thing instead of another.
   - _I would rather read a book than watch television on a quiet evening._
   - _They chose to drive through the night rather than stop at a motel._
2. To a noticeable or moderate degree; somewhat or quite, sometimes more than one would have expected.
   - Simple: To a noticeable degree, more than you might expect.
   - _Her reply was rather surprising, given how calm she usually stays._
   - _The lecture turned out to be rather more interesting than its title suggested._
3. Used to introduce a statement that contradicts or replaces what was just said; on the contrary.
   - Simple: Used to show that the true fact is the opposite of what was said.
   - _The reforms did not weaken the party; rather, they gave it new direction._
   - _She wasn't discouraged by the criticism; rather, she found it strangely motivating._
4. Used to introduce a more precise or corrected version of what was just said; now usually preceded by 'or.'
   - Simple: Used to fix or make clearer what you just said.
   - _She lives in the city, or rather just outside it, near the old rail line._
   - _The painting is blue, or rather a deep shade of teal._

## Verb

5. To prefer; to like or want one thing in preference to another. *(dialectal)*
   - Simple: To like or want one thing more than another.

## Interjection

Pronunciation: say "rah-THUR" US /ˌɹɑˈðɝ/, UK /ˌɹɑːˈðɜː(ɹ)/

6. Used as an enthusiastic expression of agreement or affirmation; yes, certainly. *(dated, England)*
   - Simple: Used as an eager way to say yes.
   - _"Care to join us at the lake?" "Rather! I've been hoping you'd ask."_
   - _"Was the concert any good?" "Rather, quite the best I've heard all year."_

## Noun

7. A choice or preference; the option one favors over others. *(dated)*
   - Simple: A thing you choose or like best.

## Adverb

8. At a faster pace; more quickly or sooner. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: In a quicker way, sooner than before.

## Adjective

9. Coming earlier in time; prior or former. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: Happening or existing before, in an earlier time.

## Origin

From Middle English rather, from Old English hraþor, the comparative of hraþe ('soon, early, fast'). It is related to Dutch radder ('faster') and German gerade ('even, straight, direct').

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/rather (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).