Word
rather
US/ˈɹæðɝ/
UK/ɹˈɑːðɐ/
Adverb of degree
Definitions
01to a certain degree
A2 · Elementary
adv. to a certain extent; quite or a bit.
adv. a degree modifier indicating a moderate or significant extent, often used to soften a criticism or express surprise.
日本語:かなり※
“The movie was rather long, but I enjoyed the ending.”
“The results of the preliminary study were rather unexpected, prompting the research team to re-evaluate their initial hypothesis.”
02preference
A2 · Elementary
adv. used to show what you prefer or choose to do.
adv. used to indicate a preference for one thing over another, typically followed by 'than'.
日本語:むしろ※
Español:más bien
“I would rather stay home tonight than go to the party.”
“The board decided to invest in sustainable infrastructure rather than pursuing short-term profits through traditional energy sectors.”
Synonyms
03more accurately
B1 · Intermediate
adv. used to correct what you just said or to be more exact.
adv. used to introduce a more precise description or a correction of a previous statement.
日本語:むしろ※
Español:más bien
“We walked for three miles, or rather, we tried to walk that far.”
“The project was a failure, or rather, it failed to meet the specific metrics established during the planning phase.”
Synonyms
04on the contrary
B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal
adv. used to say that the opposite of what was just mentioned is true.
adv. used to introduce a statement that contradicts or reverses a previous negative assertion.
“The news did not upset him; rather, it seemed to give him hope.”
“The new regulations did not stifle innovation; rather, they provided a clear framework that encouraged safer technological development.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “rather” in context.
Verb
01. look rather
“You look rather tired after your long journey.”
verb + adv
02. rather enjoy
“I rather enjoy walking in the park when it is quiet.”
adv + verb
03. rather hope
“I rather hope that we can visit the museum tomorrow.”
adv + verb
04. rather like
“I rather like the new wallpaper in the living room.”
adv + verb
Adjective
05. rather cold
“It is rather cold outside, so you should wear a coat.”
adv + adj
06. rather difficult
“The exam was rather difficult, but I think I passed.”
adv + adj
07. rather late
“I am sorry for calling you rather late in the evening.”
adv + adj
08. rather small
“The hotel room was rather small, but it was very clean.”
adv + adj
Noun
09. rather a lot
“It cost rather a lot of money to fix the car.”
adv + det + noun
10. rather a surprise
“It came as rather a surprise when they announced the news.”
adv + det + noun
11. or rather
“We stayed in a hut, or rather a small wooden cabin.”
12. rather than
“I think I'll have tea rather than coffee today.”
Real-World Examples
“The customer doesn’t have a perceived price point in their head for what these things cost,” he says. A matcha, or a signature drink with cold foam, “suddenly becomes a A$10 or a A$12 beverage rather than a A$5 or A$6 beverage”.” Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/rather
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0