rather
[ adverb rath -er, rah-th er; interjection rath -ur, rah-th ur ]
/ adverb ˈræð ər, ˈrɑ ðər; interjection ˈræðˈɜr, ˈrɑˈðɜr /
adverb
interjection
Chiefly British.
emphatically yes; assuredly; without doubt: Is the book worth reading?Rather!
Idioms for rather
had/would rather,
to prefer that or to: I had much rather we not stay. We would rather go for dinner after the show.
Compare soon(def 8).
Origin of rather
Words nearby rather
rath,
ratha,
rathbone,
rathe,
rathenau,
rather,
rathke,
rathke's pouch,
rathole,
rathouse,
rathskeller
British Dictionary definitions for had rather
rather
/ (ˈrɑːðə) /
adverb (in senses 1-4, not used with a negative)
sentence connector
on the contrary
it's not cold. Rather, it's very hot indeed
sentence substitute (ˈrɑːˈðɜː)
an expression of strong affirmation, often in answer to a question
Is it worth seeing? Rather!
Word Origin for rather
Old English
hrathor comparative of
hræth
ready, quick; related to Old Norse
hrathr
usage for rather
Both
would and
had are used with
rather in sentences such as
I would rather (or
had rather)
go to the film than to the play. Had rather is less common and is now widely regarded as slightly old-fashioned
Idioms and Phrases with had rather (1 of 2)
had rather
Also, had sooner. Would prefer. For example, I had rather you let me do the driving, or He'd sooner switch than fight. This idiom today is often replaced by would rather. [Late 1500s] Also see just as soon.
Idioms and Phrases with had rather (2 of 2)
rather
see had rather.