rather

Meanings

Adverb

• More quickly.
• ; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)
• ; on the contrary.
• ; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)
• Somewhat, fairly.

Verb

• To prefer; to prefer to.

Adjective

• Prior; earlier; former.

Origin

• From Middle English rather, rether, from Old English hraþor ("sooner, earlier, more quickly"), comparative of hraþe, equivalent to rathe + -er. More at rathe. Cognate with Dutch radder, comparative of Dutch rad, German Low German radd, ratt, German gerade.