ra‧ther S1 W1 / rɑðə $ ræðər / predeterminer , 副词
1 fairly or to some degree :
I was rather surprised to see him with his ex-wife.
He was limping rather badly.
My own position is rather different .
Abigail’s always been rather a difficult child. British English
Isn’t it rather late (= a little too late ) to start changing all the arrangements?
Actually I rather like the new style of architecture. British English
It was a nice house, but rather too small for a family of four. British English
The task proved to be rather more difficult than I had expected. British English
2 would rather used to say that you would prefer to do or have something :
I’d rather have a quiet night in front of the TV.
We could eat later if you would rather do that.
‘I think you’d better ask her.’ ‘ I’d rather not (= I do not want to ) .’
would rather … than …
I’d rather die than apologize to Helen.
I’d rather you didn’t go out alone (= I do not want you to go ) .
3 rather than instead of :
I think you’d call it a lecture rather than a talk.
Rather than go straight on to university why not get some work experience first?
Bryson decided to quit rather than accept the new rules.
4 or rather used before correcting something that you have said, or giving more specific information :
We all went in Vic’s car, or rather his father’s.
5 not … but rather … used to say that one thing is not true but a different thing is true :
The problem is not their lack of funding, but rather their lack of planning.
6 rather you/him/her/them than me spoken used to say that you are glad that you are not going to be doing something that someone else will be doing
7 Rather! British English spoken old-fashioned used to agree with someone
THESAURUS
rather/quite especially British English more than a little, but less than very. British people often use these words before 形容词 in conversation. In many cases they do not intend to change the meaning – it is just something that people say : She seemed rather unhappy. | It’s rather a difficult question. | It’s getting quite late. | Malaria is rather common in this area.
fairly rather. Fairly is used in both British and American English : The test was fairly easy. | It’s a fairly long way to the next town.
pretty spoken rather. Pretty is more informal than the other words and is used in spoken English : Her French is pretty good. | We’re in a pretty strong position.
reasonably to a satisfactory level or degree : He plays reasonably well. | Let’s just say that I am reasonably confident we’ll win.
moderately formal more than a little, but not very : Her family was moderately wealthy. | The food was moderately good, but not as good as the food in the other restaurants. | Use a moderately high heat. | a moderately difficult climb
somewhat formal fairly or to a small degree. Somewhat is used especially when talking about the size or degree of something. It is often used in comparatives : The celebrations were somewhat larger than last year’s. | He looked somewhat irritated. | a somewhat surprising decision