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

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 …

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.

Feb 7, 2026 · 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

Rather definition: More readily; preferably.

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

In today’s Easy English Podcast episode, Emma and Jack explain: How to use Either in positive and negative sentences How to use Neither correctly (without double negatives!) How to use Would ...

Use rather to specify a preference for one thing over another. Wouldn't you rather go to the movies than stay home and clean the house? Rather can also be used to mean "on the contrary," or to introduce …