Rather — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈra-t͟hər/ rath·er

Meaning & Definition of Rather

Rather (adverb)

  1. with better reason or more propriety, more properly
  2. more readily or willingly, preferably —often used interjectionally to express affirmation
  3. more correctly speaking

Rather (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. by choice or preference

    "I would rather go to the movies than stay at home"

    similar: fain, first, preferably, readily, soon, willingly
    related: alternately, alternatively, either, instead, electively, optionally, desirably, gladly, wishfully, obligingly, voluntarily
    opposite: involuntarily, unwillingly
    near: reluctantly, forcibly, willy-nilly

  2. as a substitute

    "don't think of the placement test as torture but rather as a chance to show off how much you know"

    similar: first, instead, in lieu
    related: alternately, alternatively

  3. to some degree or extent

    "I say, don't you think that's rather expensive for a hamburger?"

    similar: enough, fairly, kind of, kindly (chiefly Southern), like, moderately, more or less, pretty, quite, relatively, something, somewhat, sort of, a bit, after a sort, a little, a mite, a tad, a touch, of sorts, to a degree
    related: acceptably, decently, passably, tolerably, little, negligibly, nominally, slightly, vaguely, half, halfway, incompletely, part, partially, partly, partway
    near: awfully, beastly, deadly, especially, exceedingly, exceptionally, extremely, frightfully, greatly, heavily, highly, hugely, mightily, mortally, particularly, surpassingly, terribly, very, considerably, extensively, significantly, substantially

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Rather

The most common words with a similar meaning to Rather:

Chiefly Southern: kindly
fain, first, preferably, readily, soon, willingly, instead, enough, fairly, kind of, like, moderately, more or less, pretty, quite, relatively, something, somewhat, sort of, in lieu, a bit, after a sort, a little, a mite, a tad, a touch, of sorts, to a degree

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Rather

Words with the opposite meaning of Rather:

involuntarily, unwillingly

Related Words for Rather

alternately, alternatively, either, electively, optionally, desirably, gladly, wishfully, obligingly, voluntarily, acceptably, decently, passably, tolerably, little, negligibly, nominally, slightly, vaguely, half, halfway, incompletely, part, partially, partly, partway

Near Antonyms of Rather

reluctantly, forcibly, willy-nilly, awfully, beastly, deadly, especially, exceedingly, exceptionally, extremely, frightfully, greatly, heavily, highly, hugely, mightily, mortally, particularly, surpassingly, terribly, very, considerably, extensively, significantly, substantially

Phrases & Idioms with Rather

  • the rather — the more quickly or readily

Origin & Etymology of Rather

Middle English, from Old English hrathor, comparative of hrathe quickly; akin to Old High German rado quickly, Old English hræd quick

First known use: before 12th century

Words & Phrases Containing Rather

rather than, sooner rather than later, the exception rather than the rule, would rather

Frequently Asked Questions about Rather

What does "Rather" mean?

"Rather" means with better reason or more propriety, more properly. As an adverb, it is defined as: with better reason or more propriety, more properly. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Rather"?

Other words for "Rather" include fain, first, preferably, readily, soon, willingly, instead and enough. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Rather" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Rather"?

There are 55 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Rather". Common alternatives include fain, first, preferably, readily, soon, willingly, instead, enough, fairly and kind of.

What is the opposite of "Rather"?

Antonyms of "Rather" include involuntarily and unwillingly. Near antonyms include reluctantly, forcibly, willy-nilly and awfully.

How do you use "Rather" in a sentence?

Examples of "Rather" in a sentence: "I would rather go to the movies than stay at home"; "don't think of the placement test as torture but rather as a chance to show off how much you know"; "I say, don't you think that's rather expensive for a hamburger?".

Is "Rather" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Rather" is an adverb.

How do you pronounce "Rather"?

"Rather" is pronounced /ˈra-t͟hər/ and divided into syllables as rath·er.

What is the origin of the word "Rather"?

"Rather" comes from Middle English, from Old English hrathor, comparative of hrathe quickly; akin to Old High German rado quickly, Old English hræd quick. First known use: before 12th century.