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rather

rather

1.0
Instead of that, say or do something different
  • adverb
  • /ˈræðər/
translation icon : más bien
  • The end of human activity is not rest, but rather richer and better human activity.
  • rather than simply
  • rather than merely
  • rather than focus

Just kind of adds on top rather than lifting up.

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Examples

  • I'd rather be home watching the Knicks.

  • So let's focus on resources rather than on utility.

  • Should we be more focused on them rather than all kids?

  • I just have other things I would rather read now.

  • So it's the risk benefit ratio rather than pure safety.

  • And that seems to amplify hate rather than understanding.

  • They could print money rather than make work for money.

  • I saw her as someone like me, rather than someone who scorned me.

    Academic text (2011)
  • EBP seeks to address a single identified problem, rather than the total situation of the client.

    Academic text (2011)
  • I would prefer to go for a walk rather than stay inside all day.

Synonyms

instead
vsrather
1.0

In place of something else

introduces contrast that may be softer or merely corrective, not substitution
however
vsrather
  • Formal
2.6

Shows a contrast with what was said before

offers a contrast that is usually less formal and more alternative
in fact
vsrather
1.0

Shows that something is true, often when it is different from what was said

introduces contrast by offering a different option not proving truth
357 2.8

Shows a different idea from what you said before

is used for brief contrast not for presenting a full opposite
on the contrary
vsrather
68 3.2

To say the opposite to correct a wrong idea

introduces a milder contrast or alternative instead of correcting a mistake
to the contrary
vsrather
56 4.3

In a way that shows the opposite is true

gives a softer contrast or alternative instead of complete opposition
then again
vsrather
  • Informal
46 3.2

To show a different idea or possibility

is used for a plain contrast or alternative not for reconsideration
conversely
vsrather
  • Formal
42 4.6

To introduce a statement that shows the opposite of what was just said

introduces a milder contrast or alternative instead of a full flip
alternatively
vsrather
33 3.5

To suggest another option instead

introduces a contrast that can also simply oppose, not offer options
contrarily
vsrather
1 6.5

In a way that is the opposite of what was expected

introduces contrast more simply and often less formally

How Emphatic

damn
  • NSFW
6.7
bloody
  • Offensive
638 7.5
quite
1.0
blooming
  • UK
8.9
rather
1.0
a bit
1.0

Surface Forms

rather positive

Etymology

The word rather once meant 'sooner' or 'instead', so in 'He didn’t call; rather, he wrote her a letter' it means 'instead' or 'on the contrary'.