ratherra‧ther /ˈrɑːðə $ ˈræðər/ ●●● S1 W1 predeterminer, adverb 
I was rather surprised to see him with his ex-wife. He was limping rather badly. My own position is rather different. Abigail’s always been rather a difficult child. British English Isn’t it rather late (=a little too late) to start changing all the arrangements? Actually I rather like the new style of architecture. British English It was a nice house, but rather too small for a family of four. British English The task proved to be rather more difficult than I had expected. British English2would rather used to say that you would prefer to do or have something: I’d rather have a quiet night in front of the TV. We could eat later if you would rather do that. ‘I think you’d better ask her.’ ‘I’d rather not (=I do not want to).’would rather ... than ... I’d rather die than apologize to Helen. I’d rather you didn’t go out alone (=I do not want you to go).3rather than instead of: I think you’d call it a lecture rather than a talk. Rather than go straight on to university why not get some work experience first? Bryson decided to quit rather than accept the new rules.4or rather used before correcting something that you have said, or giving more specific information: We all went in Vic’s car, or rather his father’s.5not ... but rather ... used to say that one thing is not true but a different thing is true: The problem is not their lack of funding, but rather their lack of planning.6rather you/him/her/them than me spoken used to say that you are glad that you are not going to be doing something that someone else will be doing7Rather! British English spoken old-fashioned used to agree with someoneGRAMMAR: Patterns with rather• You say that you would rather do something: · I would rather play than study. ✗Don’t say: I would rather to play than study.• You say that you would rather be something: · I would rather be rich than poor. ✗Don’t say: I would rather to be rich than poor.• You say that you would rather someone did something: · I would rather you came in spring.• You say that you would rather someone did not do something, when you don’t want them to do it in the future: · I would rather you didn’t say that.• You say that you would rather someone had not done something, when criticizing them for something they have done in the past: · I would rather you hadn’t said that.THESAURUSrather/quite especially British English more than a little, but less than very. British people often use these words before adjectives in conversation. In many cases they do not intend to change the meaning – it is just something that people say: · She seemed rather unhappy.· It’s rather a difficult question.· It’s getting quite late.· Malaria is rather common in this area.fairly rather. Fairly is used in both British and American English: · The test was fairly easy.· It’s a fairly long way to the next town.pretty spoken rather. Pretty is more informal than the other words and is used in spoken English: · Her French is pretty good.· We’re in a pretty strong position.reasonably to a satisfactory level or degree: · He plays reasonably well.· Let’s just say that I am reasonably confident we’ll win.moderately formal more than a little, but not very: · Her family was moderately wealthy.· The food was moderately good, but not as good as the food in the other restaurants.· Use a moderately high heat.· a moderately difficult climbsomewhat formal fairly or to a small degree. Somewhat is used especially when talking about the size or degree of something. It is often used in comparatives: · The celebrations were somewhat larger than last year’s.· He looked somewhat irritated.· a somewhat surprising decision
WORD ORIGINrather
Origin:
Old English hrathor ‘more quickly’THESAURUS
especially British English more than a little, but less than very. British people often use these words before adjectives in conversation. In many cases they do not intend to change the meaning – it is just something that people say: · She seemed rather unhappy.· It’s rather a difficult question.· It’s getting quite late.· Malaria is rather common in this area.
rather. Fairly is used in both British and American English: · The test was fairly easy.· It’s a fairly long way to the next town.
spoken rather. Pretty is more informal than the other words and is used in spoken English: · Her French is pretty good.· We’re in a pretty strong position.
to a satisfactory level or degree: · He plays reasonably well.· Let’s just say that I am reasonably confident we’ll win.
formal more than a little, but not very: · Her family was moderately wealthy.· The food was moderately good, but not as good as the food in the other restaurants.· Use a moderately high heat.· a moderately difficult climb
formal fairly or to a small degree. Somewhat is used especially when talking about the size or degree of something. It is often used in comparatives: · The celebrations were somewhat larger than last year’s.· He looked somewhat irritated.· a somewhat surprising decision
Longman Language Activatorwhen a situation or decision is fair if something is fairly heavy, fairly easy etc, it is more than a little heavy or easy, but it is not very heavy or very easy: · The house has a fairly big living room.· She was fairly certain that she had been there before.· The disease is still fairly common in many countries.
especially British if something is quite heavy, quite easy etc, it is more than a little heavy or easy, but it is not very heavy or very easy: · The hotel was quite expensive.· Geoffrey was young, handsome and probably quite wealthy.· I quite like it here but I'd rather live in Manchester.quite a long way/a nice day/a good book etc: · It's quite a long way to the church from here.· I thought it was quite an interesting movie.quite a lot: · Mick and Carla have been together quite a lot recently.
spoken more than a little, but not very: · It's pretty cold today.· "It's pretty tough work," he wearily confessed.· "Hi Beth, how are you?" "Pretty good. And you?"· I felt pretty nervous going into the exam, but after I got started I loosened up some.
formal more than a little, but not very: · The food was only moderately good - nothing special.· The guidebook describes the climb as "moderately difficult".· While his career as a pro football player was moderately successful, he certainly wasn't famous.· She did moderately well in her final examinations.
especially British much more than a little, but not very - use this especially to describe something bad, unsuitable etc: · Gail seems rather unhappy today.· The attendance figures for this year's festival were rather disappointing.rather a long way/a short dress etc: · Unfortunately, we're rather a long way from the airport.rather a lot: · She was wearing rather a lot of make-up.
formal use this especially to talk about something that is in fact more than a little annoying, big, high etc but you do not want to say this directly: · The ambassador looked somewhat irritated by the interruption.· My husband has a somewhat higher opinion of Mr Jones than I do.· This year's celebrations should be somewhat larger than last year's.
to a satisfactory level or degree: · She speaks Spanish reasonably well.· Kevin is a hard worker and reasonably intelligent but he has never been promoted.· Chao is still in reasonably good health.
instead of another thing, place, time etc · We didn't have enough money to go to a movie, so we went to the park instead.· I can't manage Thursday. Can we meet on Friday instead?instead of · Can I have soup instead of salad?instead of doing something · You should talk to your teacher instead of just complaining to me about it.
if you do or choose one thing rather than another, you do or choose the first thing because it seems better: · She uses lemon rather than vinegar in her salad dressings.· Rather than driving around all day looking for somewhere to park, why don't you take a bus into town?
if one thing is used in place of another, it is used instead of it or put in the place where the other thing was: · A Walt Disney film is being shown in place of the advertised programme.· For this recipe you can always use olive oil in place of butter.in something's place: · The newspaper has stopped having a crossword puzzle and in its place they now have a weekly wordsearch competition.
British /in favor of American if you decide not to do, have, or accept one thing in favour of another, you choose the other because you think it is much better: · The original plan was abandoned in favour of a new proposal.· Communist theory and practice has been rejected in favour of American-style capitalism.
if you choose one thing in preference to another thing, you choose it instead of the other thing because you think it is better or more suitable: · In Languedoc, local wines are drunk in preference to wines from other parts of France.· Children often choose high-fat fast foods in preference to fresh, healthy ones.
something that is given in lieu of something else is given instead of that thing, especially in a work or business situation: a day/time off in lieu: · Because you worked on Sunday, you can have a day off in lieu.· Occasionally, he makes his staff work overtime and gives them time off in lieu.in lieu of: · They used to give the landlord poultry and eggs in lieu of rent.
to prefer to do one thing rather than another if someone prefers to do something, they like doing it better than something else: prefer to do something: · French people usually prefer to buy goods that are made in France.· Most of my friends take the bus to school, but I prefer to walk.prefer doing something: · Mark likes lying on the beach, but I prefer visiting museums.prefer doing something to doing something: · She seems to prefer watching soap operas to talking to me.
especially spoken if you would rather do something, you want to do it more than another thing you could do instead, or more than what you are doing now: · I'd rather wear my Reeboks if we're going to be walking around all day.would rather do something than do something: · A significant group of young men would rather go to jail than join the army.would much rather do something: · "Do you want to stay for supper?" "I'd much rather go home, if you don't mind."would rather somebody did something especially British: · I'd rather we went skiing this year instead of hiking.
if you would prefer to do something, you want to do it more than another thing you could do instead, or more than what you are doing now: · Any smart employer would prefer to hire an experienced worker over an unknown.· We would both prefer to live in the north of England, but there aren't many jobs there.would prefer somebody to do something: · I'd prefer them to come next weekend rather than the one after.
if you would sooner do something, you would very much prefer to do it especially instead of something else that you dislike or that is unpleasant: · Marry him? I'd sooner die!· He's the kind of person who'd sooner help people than make money out of them.
to not want to do or have something: not want to do something · She doesn't want to see me anymore.· We asked him to come with us, but he said he didn't want to.not want somebody to do something · "Why didn't he tell me he was sick?" "He didn't want you to worry."
especially spoken to not want to do something, especially because you think you would not enjoy it or because you feel too lazy: · I don't feel like writing that essay today.· Some days she just doesn't feel like going to work.
spoken say this when you do not want to do something, especially because you think it may cause problems for you: · I could lend him the money, but to be honest, I'd rather not.I'd rather not do something: · I'd rather not talk about it right now.
formal to not want to do something, even though you should do it or someone wants you to do it: · She is unwilling to admit that she was wrong.· Most people here are unwilling to give up their cars and use buses and trains instead.
informal you say that someone is welcome to something when you do not like it and you are happy for them to have it instead of you: · She's welcome to her smart friends and glittering parties -- I'll take the quiet life anytime.· He can keep his money -- he's not going to bribe me!
formal to not want to do something, especially something that you are being asked or forced to do: · Sarah had been to Harlow before, and had no desire to go there again.· Richards tried to enlist my support, but I had no desire to get involved.
spoken use this to say strongly that you really do not want to do something that someone has suggested or mentioned: · Apologize to that creep! I'd rather die!
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY My own position is rather different. Abigail’s always been rather a difficult child. British English Actually I rather like the new style of architecture. British English It was a nice house, but rather too small for a family of four. British English The task proved to be rather more difficult than I had expected. British English ‘I think you’d better ask her.’ ‘I’d rather not (=I do not want to).’ There was too much work for one person. It would cost far too much to have the thing repaired. John picked us up in his car, or rather his dad’s car which he’d borrowed.
My own position is rather different. Abigail’s always been rather a difficult child. British English Actually I rather like the new style of architecture. British English It was a nice house, but rather too small for a family of four. British English The task proved to be rather more difficult than I had expected. British English ‘I think you’d better ask her.’ ‘I’d rather not (=I do not want to).’· I would rather you came in spring.
· I would rather you didn’t say that.
· I would rather you hadn’t said that.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· I think £100 for a meal is rather excessive, to say the least.
(=more expensive than you expect)· I think £1000 for a bed is rather expensive.
There was too much work for one person. It would cost far too much to have the thing repaired. John picked us up in his car, or rather his dad’s car which he’d borrowed. (=fairly relieved – often used when someone is actually very relieved)· I was somewhat relieved to hear the wine was £20, not £200 a bottle.
· I may have thrown it away by mistake, but that’s pretty unlikely.
· The design of the house was somewhat unusual.
(=used to say what someone prefers) I’d rather stay in this evening, if that’s all right with you.
I’d rather stay in this evening, if that’s all right with you.PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► rather you/him/her/them than me► Rather!PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► not merely/rather than merely► would rather/would sooner ... than
1fairly or to some degree: - I'd rather not talk about it, okay?
- I would rather stay home tonight.
- We could eat later, if you would rather do that.
- Beach says her generation, however, would rather visit with friends, play sports and watch television.
- But she loves to read and would rather listen to the radio than watch television.
- He would rather go down fighting, and try to salvage whatever he could from the wreckage of his dreams.
- I had the money, and there was nothing I would rather have spent it for than coming to you.
- I would rather die than retreat.
- I would rather taste ash on my tongue than blood in my mouth.
- Most people would rather stay home with their kids.
- Some members would abandon the evangelical parts of the platform, while others would rather give up politics.
- Rather than driving around all day looking for somewhere to park, why don't you take a bus into town?
- Rather than fly directly to LA, why not stop in San Francisco first?
- Bryson decided to quit rather than accept the new rules.
- I prefer cooking with olive oil rather than butter.
- She uses lemon rather than vinegar in her salad dressings.
- And two who tip the scales to the angelic side are proposing to use bombing to plant forests rather than destroy them.
- Birds excrete uric acid rather than urea because it is an insoluble solid.
- It points us to the theistic hypothesis rather than to the necessity hypothesis.
- It presumes that reality is dynamic rather than static, and therefore seeks relationships between ideas, to aim at synthesis.
- Lovers, for example, are generally kept apart by wars or political circumstances rather than by simple misunderstandings.
- Mr O'Connor, however, stressed the need for more effective policing rather than police numbers.
- There is no important theory-based reason why these countries rather than others were selected.
- We merely suggest or advise rather than give orders.
- But he'd had that last night - or rather, in the small hours of the morning.
- But puberty, or rather the onset of menstruation, changed all that.
- Here comes the post, or rather the copter.
- I was usually the active partner, or rather it was usually I who initiated a kiss or an embrace.
- It is fear, or rather fears, that I want to speak about in this book.
- It is related to the hedgehog, or rather it belongs to the same family of insectivores.
- It was really my doing, or rather my drawings, that had brought us to this brink.
- Now I have asked Deborah whether I may speak with her son or rather listen to him.
- For insider dealing does not lack victims but rather, credible plaintiffs.
- For others, syllable and character represent at most not a word but rather a morpheme, the smallest unit of meaning.
- However, the foreign exchange earnings on tourism did increase in 1989, not from IR£150m but rather by this figure.
- Sometimes, however, the diagnosis is not hidden but rather softened.
- The AFL-CIO said the ads are not partisan but rather aim to press Congress to address the needs of working families.
- The local medical men did not object, but rather commended them for their cheapness.
- What mathematicians want from infinitesimals is not material existence but rather the right to use them in proofs.
- Apologize to that creep! I'd rather die!
- I'd rather die than work for my uncle.
- I'd rather die than eat.
- I'd rather die than go back out the way I was.
I was rather surprised to see him with his ex-wife. He was limping rather badly. My own position is rather different. Abigail’s always been rather a difficult child. British English Isn’t it rather late (=a little too late) to start changing all the arrangements? Actually I rather like the new style of architecture. British English It was a nice house, but rather too small for a family of four. British English The task proved to be rather more difficult than I had expected. British English2would rather used to say that you would prefer to do or have something: I’d rather have a quiet night in front of the TV. We could eat later if you would rather do that. ‘I think you’d better ask her.’ ‘I’d rather not (=I do not want to).’would rather ... than ... I’d rather die than apologize to Helen. I’d rather you didn’t go out alone (=I do not want you to go).3rather than instead of: I think you’d call it a lecture rather than a talk. Rather than go straight on to university why not get some work experience first? Bryson decided to quit rather than accept the new rules.4or rather used before correcting something that you have said, or giving more specific information: We all went in Vic’s car, or rather his father’s.5not ... but rather ... used to say that one thing is not true but a different thing is true: The problem is not their lack of funding, but rather their lack of planning.6rather you/him/her/them than me spoken used to say that you are glad that you are not going to be doing something that someone else will be doing7Rather! British English spoken old-fashioned used to agree with someoneGRAMMAR: Patterns with rather• You say that you would rather do something: · I would rather play than study. ✗Don’t say: I would rather to play than study.• You say that you would rather be something: · I would rather be rich than poor. ✗Don’t say: I would rather to be rich than poor.• You say that you would rather someone did something: · I would rather you came in spring.• You say that you would rather someone did not do something, when you don’t want them to do it in the future: · I would rather you didn’t say that.• You say that you would rather someone had not done something, when criticizing them for something they have done in the past: · I would rather you hadn’t said that.THESAURUSrather/quite especially British English more than a little, but less than very. British people often use these words before adjectives in conversation. In many cases they do not intend to change the meaning – it is just something that people say: · She seemed rather unhappy.· It’s rather a difficult question.· It’s getting quite late.· Malaria is rather common in this area.fairly rather. Fairly is used in both British and American English: · The test was fairly easy.· It’s a fairly long way to the next town.pretty spoken rather. Pretty is more informal than the other words and is used in spoken English: · Her French is pretty good.· We’re in a pretty strong position.reasonably to a satisfactory level or degree: · He plays reasonably well.· Let’s just say that I am reasonably confident we’ll win.moderately formal more than a little, but not very: · Her family was moderately wealthy.· The food was moderately good, but not as good as the food in the other restaurants.· Use a moderately high heat.· a moderately difficult climbsomewhat formal fairly or to a small degree. Somewhat is used especially when talking about the size or degree of something. It is often used in comparatives: · The celebrations were somewhat larger than last year’s.· He looked somewhat irritated.· a somewhat surprising decision