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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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   More definitions, origin and scrabble points

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

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › english

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   quite; to a slight degree: It's rather cold today, isn't it? That's rather a difficult book - here's an easier one for you. The train was rather too crowded for a comfortable journey. She answered the phone rather sleepily. I rather doubt I'll be able to come to your party. Fewer examples.

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

   www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › rather

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   The meaning of RATHER is with better reason or more propriety : more properly. How to use rather in a sentence.

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

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   You use rather before verbs that introduce your thoughts and feelings, in order to express your opinion politely, especially when a different opinion has been expressed.

5. dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionaryRATHER | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary

   • Cached

   quite; to a slight degree: It's rather cold today, isn't it? That's rather a difficult book - here's an easier one for you. The train was rather too crowded for a comfortable trip. She answered the phone rather sleepily. I rather doubt I'll be able to come to your party. Fewer examples.

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

   www.thefreedictionary.com › rather

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   1. More readily; preferably: I'd rather go to the movies. 2. More exactly; more accurately: He's my friend, or rather he was my friend. 3. To a certain extent; somewhat: It's rather cold out. I was rather hoping you'd call. 4. On the contrary: This is not a thoughtful criticism. Rather it is an insult.

7. 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.

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

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › english

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   Definition of rather adverb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

9. 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.

10. www.yourdictionary.com › ratherRather Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary

    www.yourdictionary.com › rather

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    From Middle English rather, rether, from Old English hraþor (“sooner, earlier, more quickly" ), comparative of hraþe (“hastily, quickly, promptly, readily, immediately, soon, at once, directly" ), equivalent to rathe +"Ž -er.

11. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishRATHER | meaning - Cambridge Learner's Dictionary

    dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

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    RATHER definition: 1. slightly or to a degree: 2. instead of: 3. If you would rather do something, you would prefer…. Learn more.