What does rather mean?
“Rather” is an English adverb with two especially common uses. In “I would rather walk,” it expresses a preference, meaning that one option is more desirable than another. It can also express a moderate degree, so “rather difficult” means somewhat difficult and “rather cold” means quite cold without implying an extreme. The familiar construction “rather than” compares two choices and places the less-preferred option first: “I prefer tea rather than coffee.” The word appears in both formal writing and everyday speech. British English traditionally uses “rather” for the moderate-degree sense more readily than American English does, while “I’d rather” is natural in both varieties. “Rather” is useful because it communicates preference and qualification with economy, often softening a statement without weakening it excessively.
adverbUsed to express a preference: in preference to something else. It can also mean somewhat or to a moderate degree, especially in phrases such as “rather good” or “rather too difficult.”
- In expressions of preference, especially after “would,” “had,” or “prefer,” meaning “in preference to” or “instead.”
- As a degree adverb, meaning somewhat or to a moderate extent, as in “rather difficult.”
- In the construction “rather than,” indicating a preference for one option over another.
"I would rather walk than take the crowded train."
"She would rather stay at home than attend the meeting."
"The instructions were rather complicated for beginners."
The phrase “I would rather” is one of English’s clearest ways to announce a preference without sounding confrontational.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rather come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old English rǣþre, meaning “earlier” or “sooner,” a comparative form based on rǣþ, “early.” Its older sense developed into the modern preference meaning, while the degree meaning developed separately. The modern form is related to cognates in other Germanic languages, including Dutch eerder and German früher.
How rather is actually used
In the preference sense, “rather” is common in both formal and informal English, although “I’d rather” is especially frequent in speech. Its degree sense is somewhat formal in writing and can sound British or old-fashioned when used very frequently, as in “rather good.” “Rather” may also convey mild surprise or emphasis when placed before an adjective or determiner.
Easily confused with rather
“Rathe” is an archaic word meaning eager or enthusiastic, whereas “rather” is a modern adverb expressing preference or degree.