The meaning of RATHER is with better reason or more propriety : more properly. How to use rather in a sentence.

We use rather as a degree adverb (rather cold, rather nice). We also use it to express alternatives and preferences (green rather than blue, coffee rather than tea, slowly rather than quickly). …

You use rather before verbs that introduce your thoughts and feelings, in order to express your opinion politely, especially when a different opinion has been expressed.

Dec 14, 2025 · It is used where a plain adjective needs to be modified, but cannot be qualified. When spoken, the meaning can vary with the tone of voice and stress.

Both would and had are used with rather in sentences such as I would rather (or had rather) go to the film than to the play. Had rather is less common and is now widely regarded as slightly old-fashioned

1. relatively or fairly; somewhat: it's rather dull. 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 …

RATHER definition: 1. slightly or to a degree: 2. instead of: 3. If you would rather do something, you would prefer…. Learn more.

Daniel Irvin Rather Jr. (/ ˈræðər /; born October 31, 1931) is an American journalist, commentator, and former national evening news anchor. He began his career in Texas, becoming a national name in …

RATHER definition: in a measure; to a certain extent; somewhat. See examples of rather used in a sentence.

You use rather when you are correcting something that you have just said, especially when you are describing a particular situation after saying what it is not.