(Entry 1 of 2) 1 —used with the infinitive form of a verb to indicate negation as a contrary choice or wish rather than continue the argument, he walked awaychose to sing rather than play violin.
How is rather used in a sentence?
The word rather, itself, is commonly used in English as an adverb to indicate preference, degree, or accuracy. I would rather not go. It’s getting rather late. She sings rather well.
What is mean rather?
1 : with better reason or more propriety : more properly this you should pity rather than despise— William Shakespeare. 2 : more readily or willingly : preferably I’d rather not go would rather read than watch television —often used interjectionally to express affirmation.
Is rather a British word?
Rather is more common in British than American English in the above senses. If you say that you would rather do something, you mean that you would prefer to do it. In speech, would rather is usually contracted to ‘d rather.
What is the opposite of Rather?
Opposite of used to indicate one’s preference in a particular matter. involuntarily. unwillingly. hesitantly. cautiously.
What does rather cute mean?
1 relatively or fairly; somewhat. it’s rather dull. 2 to a significant or noticeable extent; quite. she’s rather pretty.
Is rather formal or informal?
Rather as a degree adverb. We use rather to give emphasis to an adjective or adverb. It has a similar meaning to quite when quite is used with gradable words. It is more formal than quite.
What word can I use instead of rather?
What is another word for rather than?
| instead | alternatively |
|---|---|
| alternately | as another option |
| by way of an alternative | in preference |
| on the other hand | by contrast |
| on second thoughts | then again |
What does but rather mean?
The phrase “but rather” is used in a similar way to “however.” This phrase serves to show contrast between two ideas, and essentially means “on the other hand” or “in fact.”
What does rather mean in England?
rather adverb (PREFERENCE) instead of; used especially when you prefer one thing to another: I think I’d like to stay home this evening rather than go out. More examples.
What kind of adverb is rather?
Rather can be used as an adverb of degree. This use of rather is common in British English. As an adverb of degree, rather has a similar meaning to ‘quite’ or ‘fairly’. However, it is more emphatic.
What’s another word for would rather?
What is another word for would rather?
| like | prefer |
|---|---|
| desire | want |
| choose | crave |
| fancy | favorUS |
| favourUK | love |
What is the meaning of rather in English?
Definition of rather. 1 : with better reason or more propriety : more properly this you should pity rather than despise — William Shakespeare. 2 : more readily or willingly : preferably I’d rather not go would rather read than watch television —often used interjectionally to express affirmation.
What is the difference between rather and quite?
We use rather to give emphasis to an adjective or adverb. It has a similar meaning to quite when quite is used with gradable words. It is more formal than quite. We often use it to express something unexpected or surprising: …
What is the meaning of rather archaic?
the rather archaic : the more quickly or readily : to some degree or extent —used to introduce a statement that indicates what is true after you have said what is not true —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said
What does it mean to be rather pretty?
2. to a significant or noticeable extent; quite: she’s rather pretty. 3. to a limited extent or degree: I rather thought that was the case. 4. with better or more just cause: this text is rather to be deleted than rewritten.
