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English Dictionary

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 rather rather /ˈrʌðɝ/

adverb

  1. () On the contrary  ( instead , rather )
    on the contrary
     Rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left
    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
    he didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter
     Used English terms instead of Latin ones
    used English terms instead of Latin ones
  2. () To some (great or small) extent  ( kinda [Non-standard] , kind of [Informal] , sort of [Informal] , rather )
    to some (great or small) extent
     It was rather cold
    it was rather cold
     The party was rather nice
    the party was rather nice
     The knife is rather dull
    the knife is rather dull
     I rather regret that I cannot attend
    I rather regret that I cannot attend
     He's rather good at playing the cello
    He's rather good at playing the cello
     He is kind of shy
    he is kind of shy
  3. () More readily or willingly  ( sooner , preferably , rather )
    more readily or willingly
     Clean it well, preferably with warm water
    clean it well, preferably with warm water
     I'd rather be in Philadelphia
    I'd rather be in Philadelphia
     I'd sooner die than give up
    I'd sooner die than give up
  4. To a degree (not used with a negative)  ( rather , quite )
    to a degree (not used with a negative)
     Quite tasty
    quite tasty
     Quite soon
    quite soon
     Quite ill
    quite ill
     Quite rich
    quite rich