rather
English
/ˈɹɑːðə/, /ˌɹɑːˈðɜː(ɹ)/, /ˈɹæðɚ/
adv
Definitions
- (obsolete) More quickly; sooner, earlier.
- preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)
- (conjunctive) ; on the contrary.
- (conjunctive) ; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)
- (degree) Somewhat, fairly.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English rather inherited from Old English hraþor (sooner, more quickly, earlier) suffix from English rathe.
Origin
English
rathe
Gloss
Timeline
Distribution of cognates by language
Geogrpahic distribution of cognates
Cognates and derived terms
- rathe English
- ratherish English
- gerade German
- geradebiegen German
- geradestehen German
- geradkettig German
- kerzengerade German
- schnurgerade German
- ungerade German
- rad Dutch, Flemish
- radbraken Dutch, Flemish
- raddraaier Dutch, Flemish
- raderboot Dutch, Flemish
- raderschip Dutch, Flemish
- raderstoomboot Dutch, Flemish
- raderwerk Dutch, Flemish
- reuzenrad Dutch, Flemish
- stuurrad Dutch, Flemish
- tandrad Dutch, Flemish
- hraþor Old English
- rathe Middle English
- rather Middle English
- rat Middle Dutch
- redder Pennsylvania German