Associations to the word «Rather»
Wiktionary
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.
Dictionary definition
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".
Wise words
Words, words, words! They shut one off from the universe.
Three quarters of the time one's never in contact with
things, only with the beastly words that stand for them.