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1. Dictionary

   rath·er

   /ˈraT͟Hər/

   adverb

   • 1. used to indicate one's preference in a particular matter: "would you like some wine or would you rather stick to sherry?" Similar by preferencesoonerpreferablyfrom/by choicemore willinglymore readilyif I had my druthers
   • ▪ used to express a recommended alternative, but without a than clause and used with verbs other than would; instead: South African "this opens up a whole can of worms that should rather be left shut"
   • 2. to a certain or significant extent or degree: "she's been behaving rather strangely" Similar quitea bita littlefairlyslightlysomewhatrelativelyto some degree/extentcomparativelymoderatelyinformal:prettysort ofkind ofkindaish
   • ▪ used before verbs as a way of making the expression of a feeling or opinion less assertive: "I rather think he wants me to marry him"
   • 3. used to precede an idea that is different or opposite to a previous statement: "There is no shortage of basic skills in the workplace. Rather, the problem is poor management"
   • ▪ more precisely (used to modify or clarify something previously stated): "I walked, or rather limped, the two miles home" Similar more preciselyto be preciseto be exactstrictly speakingcorrectly speaking
   • ▪ instead of; as opposed to: "she seemed indifferent rather than angry" Similar moremore trulyas opposed toinstead ofon the contraryquite the oppositeinstead

   exclamation

   • 1. used to express emphatic affirmation, agreement, or acceptance: dated British "“You are glad to be home, aren't you?” “Rather!”"

   Word Origin Old Englishhrathor ‘earlier, sooner’, comparative of hræthe ‘without delay’, from hræth ‘prompt’ (see rathe).

   Scrabble Points: 9

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2. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › englishRATHER | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   Learn the meaning and usage of the word rather in English. Find out how to use it as a degree adverb, a preference adverb, a correction, or an exclamation.

3. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › ratherRather Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › rather

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   Learn the meaning, synonyms, examples, and history of the word rather, an adverb or interjection that expresses preference, correction, or degree. Find out how to use rather in phrases and sentences with the online dictionary.

4. Videos

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     10:17

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     Use of Rather, Would Rather, Rather than in English - Basic English Grammar

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     Use of Rather, Rather than, Would rather | English Speaking Course Day 58 | English Grammar Lesson

     16 Feb 2023

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     collinsdictionary.com

     RATHER definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

     24 Dec 2011

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5. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishRATHER definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   Learn the meaning, usage and pronunciation of 'rather', an adverb that can express correction, degree, preference, contrast or agreement. See examples, synonyms and related words for 'rather'.

6. www.thefreedictionary.com › ratherRather - definition of rather by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › rather

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   Learn the meaning and usage of the adverb rather, which can express degree, preference, contrast, or affirmation. Compare different sources and examples of rather in sentences and idioms.

7. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › ratherRather - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › rather

   Use rather to specify a preference for one thing over another. Wouldn't you rather go to the movies than stay home and clean the house? Rather can also be used to mean "on the contrary," or to introduce a contradiction.

8. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › englishrather adverb - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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   Learn the meaning, pronunciation and grammar of rather, an adverb that can express degree, preference, correction or contrast. See examples, idioms and synonyms of rather in different contexts.

9. www.dictionary.com › browse › ratherRATHER Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com

   www.dictionary.com › browse › rather

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   Rather definition: in a measure; to a certain extent; somewhat. See examples of RATHER used in a sentence.