rather

Meanings

1. 1adverb

   Used to express a preference for one thing over another, often with 'than'.

   Grammar: Often used in the pattern 'rather ... than ...' or 'would rather'.

   Patterns

   • rather than
   • would rather

   I would rather stay home than go out tonight.

   She chose tea rather than coffee.

2. 2adverb

   To a certain degree; somewhat.

   Grammar: Used before adjectives or adverbs to soften or intensify, e.g., 'rather cold'.

   Patterns

   • rather + adjective
   • rather + adverb

   The movie was rather long, but I enjoyed it.

   He speaks rather quickly, so it's hard to follow.

3. 3adverb

   More precisely; instead.

   Grammar: Used to correct or clarify a previous statement.

   Patterns

   • or rather

   We met in 2010, or rather, in the summer of 2010.

   He is a writer, or rather, a poet.

Common combinations

rather than

I'll have water rather than soda.

would rather

I would rather walk than take the bus.

rather than risk

She left early rather than risk missing the train.

or rather

He's a teacher, or rather, a professor.

Synonyms and how they differ

quite

Quite means 'to a fair degree' and is often similar to 'rather', but 'quite' can also mean 'completely' in some contexts.

somewhat

Somewhat is more formal and means 'a little'; rather can be stronger.

preferably

Preferably means 'if possible, as a preference', while rather often contrasts two choices.

Commonly confused: rather or rather than?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “rather”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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