rather
Translation
rather, quite, preferably, instead
Examples
It's rather cold today, isn't it?
It's rather cold today, isn't it?
I'd rather have tea than coffee.
I'd rather have tea than coffee.
He's not lazy, but rather tired.
He's not lazy, but rather tired.
Grammar Patterns
((rather + adj/adv)) The film was rather good.
((would rather + verb)) I would rather stay at home.
((rather than)) I'll have water rather than juice.
Similar Words
Synonyms: quite, fairly, sooner
Etymology
From Old English 'hraþor', comparative of 'hraþe' ('quickly'). The sense shifted from 'more quickly' to 'more readily' to 'preferably'.
Memory Tips
Remember the phrase 'I would rather do this than that' to recall its use for expressing preference.