Online Google Dictionary

rather 中文解釋 wordnet sense Collocation Usage Collins Definition
Exclamation
/ˈraT͟Hər/,/ˈräT͟Hər/,/ˈrəT͟Hər/,
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Used to indicate one's preference in a particular matter,
  1. Used to express emphatic affirmation, agreement, or acceptance
    • - “You are glad to be home, aren't you?” “Rather!”
Adverb
  1. Used to indicate one's preference in a particular matter
    • - would you like some wine, or would you rather stick to sherry?
    • - she'd rather die than cause a scene
    • - I'd rather you not tell him
    • - “You'd better ask her.” “I'd rather not.”
  2. To a certain or significant extent or degree
    • - she's been behaving rather strangely
    • - he's rather an unpleasant man
  3. Used before verbs as a way of making the expression of a feeling or opinion less assertive
    • - I rather think he wants me to marry him
    • - we were rather hoping you might do that for us
  4. On the contrary (used to suggest that the opposite of what has just been implied or stated is the case)
    • - There is no shortage of basic skills in the workplace. Rather, the problem is poor management
  5. More precisely (used to modify or clarify something previously stated)
    • - I walked, or rather limped, the two miles home
  6. Instead of; as opposed to
    • - she seemed indifferent rather than angry
  1. on the contrary; "rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left"; "he didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter"; "used English terms instead of Latin ones"
  2. to some (great or small) extent; "it was rather cold"; "the party was rather nice"; "the knife is rather dull"; "I rather regret that I cannot attend"; "He's rather good at playing the cello"; "he is kind of shy"
  3. preferably: more readily or willingly; "clean it well, preferably with warm water"; "I'd rather be in Philadelphia"; "I'd sooner die than give up"
  4. quite: to a degree (not used with a negative); "quite tasty"; "quite soon"; "quite ill"; "quite rich"
  5. Rather is a family name. It is also an adverb in the English language.
  6. To prefer; to prefer to; More quickly; sooner, earlier. [9th-19th c.]; Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably. [from 9th c.]; Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary. [from 14th c.]; Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. ...
  7. (rathering) Alternative form of rather