rather
Translation
rather, quite, preferably
Examples
It's rather cold today.
It's rather cold today.
I would rather stay home.
I would rather stay home.
He is not lazy, but rather tired.
He is not lazy, but rather tired.
Grammar Patterns
((rather)) + adjective/adverb to some degree; quite It's rather cold today.
would ((rather)) + verb to prefer to do sth. I would rather stay home.
not (A) but ((rather)) (B) used to mean 'on the contrary' He is not lazy, but rather tired.
Similar Words
Synonyms: quite, fairly, preferably, instead
Etymology
From Old English 'hraþor', comparative of 'hraþe' meaning 'quickly, soon'.
Memory Tips
Remember the phrase 'I'd rather...' to recall its meaning of preference.