HOW TO PRONOUNCE
RATHER
/ˈɹæðɚ/
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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:39
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What does RATHER mean?
adverb
- Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)
- Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.
- Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)
More meanings (7)
adverb
- Somewhat, quite; to an unexpected degree.
- (obsolete) More quickly.
verb
- To prefer; to prefer to.
proper noun
- A surname.
adjective
- (obsolete) Prior; earlier; former.
interjection
- (dated) An enthusiastic affirmation.
noun
- (dated, informal) A choice or a preference.
Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0
IPA pronunciation
/ˈɹæðɚ/
Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.
In the pages of books
See this word in context.
“I’d rather finish my tea,” said the Hatter, with an anxious look at the Queen, who was reading the list of singers.
He spoke long and earnestly, but what it was all about Smee, who was rather stupid, did not know in the least.
More book examples (3)
As I writhed under it, I would at times feel that learning to read had been a curse rather than a blessing.
He would rather be eaten by wild beasts than see her move on the ground as she had moved in the orchard.
We were rather doubtful on this point, and inclined to hold that there was more chance of improvement in greater physical variation.