Associations to the word «Rather»

RATHER, adverb. (obsolete) More quickly; sooner, earlier. [9th-19th c.]

RATHER, adverb. Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably. (Always with would - normally contracted to 'd). (Now usually followed by than) [from 9th c.]

RATHER, adverb. (conjunctive) Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary. [from 14th c.]

RATHER, adverb. (conjunctive) Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.) [from 15th c.]

RATHER, adverb. (degree) Somewhat, fairly. [from 16th c.]

RATHER, verb. (nonstandard or dialectal) To prefer; to prefer to.

RATHER, adjective. (obsolete) Prior; earlier; former.

RATHER, interjection. (England) (dated) An enthusiastic affirmation.

RATHER THAN, conjunction. And not.

RATHER THAN, conjunction. Used to indicate that the following alternative is less preferred.

RATHER THAN, preposition. Instead of; in preference to.

RATHER, adverb. On the contrary; "rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left"; "he didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter"; "used English terms instead of Latin ones".

RATHER, adverb. To some (great or small) extent; "it was rather cold"; "the party was rather nice"; "the knife is rather dull"; "I rather regret that I cannot attend"; "He's rather good at playing the cello"; "he is kind of shy".

RATHER, adverb. More readily or willingly; "clean it well, preferably with warm water"; "I'd rather be in Philadelphia"; "I'd sooner die than give up".

RATHER, adverb. To a degree (not used with a negative); "quite tasty"; "quite soon"; "quite ill"; "quite rich".