Words / A2

RAHTH-uh/ˈrɑːðə/

Rather means quite, to some degree: rather cold, rather difficult, rather a long way. It also shows preference: I would rather stay in, rather than walk. Fairly and quite are close for the “quite” meaning; prefer is the verb for liking one thing more. Would rather + infinitive without to. Do not write “I rather tea” — say I would rather have tea, or I prefer tea.

Meaning

Quite; to some degree, or used to say you prefer one thing.

Examples

• “It is rather cold this morning.”
• “The film was rather long, but I enjoyed it.”
• “I would rather take the train than drive.”

Good to know

rather + adjective = quite. would rather + verb (no to). rather than + noun / verb.

Near in meaning

quite

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