1
: with better reason or more propriety : more properly
This you should pity rather than despise.—William Shakespeare
2
: more readily or willingly : preferably
I'd rather not go
would rather read than watch television
—often used interjectionally to express affirmation
3
: more correctly speaking
my father, or rather my stepfather
4
: to the contrary : instead
… was no better but rather grew worse.—Mark 5:26 (Revised Standard Version)
5
: in some degree : somewhat
it's rather warm
—often used as a mild intensivespent rather a lot of money
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rather. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
