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Glite Dictionary
☕ Prefer something 🔄 Instead or on the contrary 🌡️ Somewhat or quite
rather

rather

∞ 1.0
Instead of that, say or do something different
  • adverb
  • /ˈræðər/
: 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.

    Broken City (2013)

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

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

    ReasonTV

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

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

    Lex Fridman

  • And that seems to amplify hate rather than understanding.

    Meet Kevin

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

    The Rich Dad Channel

  • 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
on the other hand
vsrather
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'.