rather
rather /ˈrʌðɝ/
adverb
-
(
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)
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
-
(
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)
To some (great or small) extent
(
kinda
[Non-standard] , kind of
[Informal] , rather
, sort of
[Informal] )
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
-
(
)
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
-
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