Definition
rather: preferably, instead, more willingly; quite, somewhat
I would rather meet you on Sunday than Saturday. It would be much easier for me.
The quality of public services is not improving, but rather declining. The quality of public services is not improving. In fact, it is declining.
Pronunciation examples
UK: I would rather see you on Sunday than Saturday.
US: I am feeling rather hungry. Can I have a cake?
- "Rather, food manufacturers will be legally obliged to show a "gruesome" image of an obese person."
- "Brian : Just a minute, sir, I'm in the middle of a rather important conference call with Europe."
- "As I get older, however, I must admit, my feelings on family have changed, rather dramatically in fact."
- "That's rather potent."
- "Given the way things degenerated in last year's interview process, I'd rather leave things in your capable hands this time round."
- "After complaining about the weather for half an hour, she told me that she recently handed over a cheque for £90,000 to a "nice young man", and that in exchange he promised to re-plaster the ceiling in her sitting room. I'm no expert on re-plastering, but this seems like a rather large sum of money."
- "I wish you luck with this rather special assignment!"
- "I have a rather personal question to ask you."
- "That could be rather expensive."
- "I'd much rather travel with the people."
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