rather

  • 11rather — predeterminer, adverb 1 (+ adj/adv) quite; fairly: I was rather surprised to see him with his ex wife. | He was limping rather badly as he walked off the field. | It s not too big for you at all. I rather like the way it fits you. | rather a big… …

    Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • 12rather — rath|er [ ræðər ] function word *** Rather can be used in the following ways: as an adverb (before an adjective or another adverb): I m feeling rather tired. She s been treated rather badly. (before a verb): He rather enjoys telling other people… …

    Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • 13rather — ra|ther W1S1 [ˈra:ðə US ˈræðər] predeterminer, adv [: Old English; Origin: hrathor more quickly ] 1.) fairly or to some degree ▪ I was rather surprised to see him with his ex wife. ▪ He was limping rather badly. ▪ My own position is rather… …

    Dictionary of contemporary English

  • 14rather */*/*/ — UK [ˈrɑːðə(r)] / US [ˈræðər] adverb, predeterminer Summary: Rather can be used in the following ways: as an adverb (before an adjective or another adverb): I m feeling rather tired. ♦ She s been treated rather badly. (before a verb): He rather… …

    English dictionary

  • 15rather — adv. 1) rather + inf. + than (she would rather play tennis than watch TV) 2) (colloq.) rather + clause + than (I would rather you stayed home than go out in this blizzard; she would rather you did your homework than watched TV) 3) rather + inf.… …

    Combinatory dictionary

  • 16rather — 01. When I was young, I enjoyed living in the big city, but since I ve been a father, I d [rather] live in a smaller place. 02. I ride my bike to work, [rather] than take my car because it is better for the environment. 03. [Rather] than go to… …

    Grammatical examples in English

  • 17rather — adverb 1. /ˈraðə / (say rahdhuh) more so than not; to a certain extent; somewhat: rather good. 2. /ˈraðə / (say rahdhuh) (with verbs) in some degree (used either literally to modify a statement, or ironically to lend emphasis). 3. /ˈraðə / (say… …

  • 18rather*/*/*/ — [ˈrɑːðə] adv 1) to a fairly large degree Syn: quite Matt left rather suddenly without any explanation.[/ex] He was a rather handsome boy.[/ex] I realize that I ve been rather stupid and selfish.[/ex] 2) used for correcting or explaining what you… …

    Dictionary for writing and speaking English

  • 19rather — adv. /radh euhr, rah dheuhr/; interj. /radh err , rah dherr /, adv. 1. in a measure; to a certain extent; somewhat: rather good. 2. in some degree: I rather thought you would regret it. 3. more properly or justly; with better reason: The contrary …

    Universalium

  • 20rather — adv. 1 (often foll. by than) by preference; for choice (would rather not go; would rather stay than go). 2 (usu. foll. by than) more truly; as a more likely alternative (is stupid rather than honest). 3 more precisely (a book, or rather, a… …

    Useful english dictionary