rather
US /ˈræðɚ/
Definition
on the contrary
Tested in TOEIC business and workplace contexts.
Examples
Many staff prefer to take the train rather than drive to work.
Synonyms
- quiteto a degree (not used with a negative)
- fairlyto a moderately sufficient extent or degree
- preferablymore readily or willingly
Collocations
- Easy rather cold outside todaydescribing rather cold outside today (on the contrary)
- Medium prefer email rather than phone callsto prefer email rather than phone calls, meaning to like better; value more highly
- Hard would rather defer final executiona collocation phrase: would rather defer final execution
- Very Hard rather you than me to undertake that auditdescribing rather you than me to undertake that audit (on the contrary)
Learner's English edition · Curated definitions for TOEIC learners.