rather

• Adverbe à plusieurs sens : il peut indiquer une préférence (par exemple, 'je préférerais'), exprimer un degré, signifiant 'dans une certaine mesure' ou 'assez' (par exemple, 'assez grand'), ou servir d'adoucisseur atténuant. Courant en anglais britannique comme américain.

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.

   plutôt (dans une certaine mesure)

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

   Synonymesfairlymoderatelyprettyquitereasonablysomewhat

   Antonymescompletelyextremelyutterly

2. Preference or alternativeB1formal

   Used to express a preference for one thing over another.

   Préférence ou alternative

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

   Synonymesinsteadpreferablysooner

3. Correction or clarificationB2formal

   Used to introduce a more precise or accurate statement.

   Correction ou clarification

   • 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.

   Synonymesactuallyinsteadto be precise