/ ˈrɑːðə(r); NAmE ˈræðər/ adverb , exclamation
■ adverb
1.
used to mean 'fairly' or 'to some degree', often when you are expressing slight criticism, disappointment or surprise :
The instructions were rather complicated.
She fell and hurt her leg rather badly.
I didn't fail the exam; in fact I did rather well!
It was a rather difficult question.
It was rather a difficult question.
He looks rather like his father.
The patient has responded to the treatment rather better than expected.
He was conscious that he was talking rather too much.
➡ note at quite
2.
used with a verb to make a statement sound less strong :
I rather suspect we're making a mistake.
We were rather hoping you'd be able to do it by Friday.
3.
used to correct sth you have said, or to give more accurate information :
She worked as a secretary, or rather, a personal assistant.
In the end he had to walk—or rather run—to the office.
4.
used to introduce an idea that is different or opposite to the idea that you have stated previously :
The walls were not white, but rather a sort of dirty grey.
•
IDIOMS
- rather you, him, etc. than me
- rather than
- would rather ... (than)
■ exclamation
/; also ˌrɑːˈðɜː(r)/ ( old-fashioned , BrE ) used to agree with sb's suggestion :
'How about a trip to the beach?' 'Rather!'
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English hrathor earlier, sooner , comparative of hræthe without delay , from hræth prompt , of Germanic origin.