rather

• Adverb mit mehreren Bedeutungen: Es kann eine Vorliebe ausdrücken (z. B. 'ich würde eher...'), einen Grad im Sinne von 'ziemlich' oder 'recht' angeben (z. B. 'ziemlich groß') oder als sanfte Verstärkung dienen. Es ist sowohl im britischen als auch im amerikanischen Englisch verbreitet.

An adverb with multiple uses: it can indicate preference (e.g., 'I would rather go'), express degree meaning 'to some extent' or 'quite' (e.g., 'rather large'), or serve as a mild intensifier. It is common in both British and American English.

1. To some extentA2formal

   Used to indicate a moderate degree of something; fairly or quite.

   ziemlich

   • The movie was rather boring.
   • She is rather tall for her age.
   • It's rather cold outside today.

   Synonymefairlymoderatelyprettyquitereasonablysomewhat

   Antonymecompletelyextremelyutterly

2. Preference or alternativeB1formal

   Used to express a preference for one thing over another.

   Vorliebe oder Alternative

   • I would rather stay home than go out tonight.
   • Rather than driving, we took the train.
   • She would rather not discuss the matter.

   Synonymeinsteadpreferablysooner

3. Correction or clarificationB2formal

   Used to introduce a more precise or accurate statement.

   Korrektur oder Präzisierung

   • He is not angry, rather he is disappointed.
   • The problem is not technical, rather it is financial.
   • She didn't ignore you; rather, she didn't see you.

   Synonymeactuallyinsteadto be precise