rath·er / ˈra[voicedth]ər; ˈrä[voicedth]ər; ˈrə[voicedth]ər/ • adv. 1. (would rather) 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. ∎  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.3. 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. ∎  more precisely (used to modify or clarify something previously stated): I walked, or rather limped, the two miles home. ∎  instead of; as opposed to: she seemed indifferent rather than angry.• interj. chiefly Brit., dated used to express emphatic affirmation, agreement, or acceptance: “You are glad to be home, aren't you?” “Rather!”PHRASES: had rather would rather: I had rather not see him.rather you (or him or her, etc.) than me used to convey that one would be reluctant oneself to undertake a particular task or project undertaken by someone else: “I'm picking him up after lunch.” “Rather you than me.”