# rather

/ˈɹæðɝ/ (US) · /ɹˈɑːðɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rather
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. to a certain degree

adverb · CEFR A2

to a certain extent; quite or a bit.

For teachers: a degree modifier indicating a moderate or significant extent, often used to soften a criticism or express surprise.

- 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.

### 2. preference

adverb · CEFR A2

used to show what you prefer or choose to do.

For teachers: used to indicate a preference for one thing over another, typically followed by 'than'.

- 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.

### 3. more accurately

adverb · CEFR B1

used to correct what you just said or to be more exact.

For teachers: used to introduce a more precise description or a correction of a previous statement.

- 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.

### 4. on the contrary

adverb · CEFR B2 · Formal

used to say that the opposite of what was just mentioned is true.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The weather is rather cold today.
- I was rather surprised to see him at the party since he said he was busy.
- The results of the preliminary study were rather encouraging, though the researchers cautioned that a larger sample size would be necessary to confirm their initial findings.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.