Rather

/ˈɹɑːðə/

Last Updated: January 2, 2026 at 12:30 PM

Scrabble:9 ptsWWF:8 pts6 letters

Definition of Rather

verb

  1. To prefer; to prefer to.

adjective

  1. Prior; earlier; former.

adverb

  1. More quickly; sooner, earlier.
  2. Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)

    "I'd like this one rather than the other one."

  3. Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.

    "It wasn't supposed to be popular; rather, it was supposed to get the job done."

  4. Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)

    "I didn't want to leave. Or rather I did, just not alone."

  5. (degree) Somewhat, fairly.

    "This melon is rather tasteless, especially compared to the one we had last time."

interjection

  1. An enthusiastic affirmation.

    ""Would you like some?" -- "Rather!""

Anagrams of Rather

Words You Can Make

43 words can be made from the letters in "rather":

+1 Letter Anagrams

Words formed by adding one letter to "rather" and rearranging:

Synonyms & Antonyms

SYNONYMS

as lieflieferlieverfairlyquitesomewhat

ANTONYMS

utterly