adv.
Pronunciation: ' ra- th ə r, ' rä-, ' r ə - also ' re-; interjectionally ' ra- ' th ə r, ' rä-, ' r ə -
Function: adverb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hrathor, comparative of hrathe quickly; akin to Old High German rado quickly, Old English hræd quick
Date: before 12th century
1 : with better reason or more propriety : more properly <this you should pity rather than despise ― 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 ― Mk 5:26 (RSV)>
5 : in some degree : SOMEWHAT <it's rather warm> ― often used as a mild intensive <spent rather a lot of money>
– the rather
archaic : the more quickly or readily