rather

• Наречие с несколькими значениями: может указывать на предпочтение (например, 'я бы предпочёл'), выражать степень, означая 'до некоторой степени' или 'довольно' (например, 'довольно большой'), или служить мягким усилителем. Распространено как в британском, так и в американском английском.

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.

   Довольно

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

   Синонимыfairlymoderatelyprettyquitereasonablysomewhat

   Антонимыcompletelyextremelyutterly

2. Preference or alternativeB1formal

   Used to express a preference for one thing over another.

   Предпочтение или альтернатива

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

   Синонимыinsteadpreferablysooner

3. Correction or clarificationB2formal

   Used to introduce a more precise or accurate statement.

   Скорее

   • 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.

   Синонимыactuallyinsteadto be precise