▪ I. ˈrather, a. ? Obs.
Also 3–5 raþ-, rathere, 5 raþ-, rathir.
[Comparative of rathe a.1]
1. Earlier, preceding another or others in point of time, coming at an earlier hour, date, etc.
| 1388 Wyclif John i. 30 Aftir me is comun a man, which was maad bifor me; for he was rather than Y. 1429 Rolls of Parlt. IV. 342/2 Atte a rather and nerre day. 1477 Ibid. VI. 194/1 For the rather execucion of his said false purpose. 1551 Recorde Cast. Knowl. (1556) 131 Euery 15 degrees of distaunce estward, causeth the daye to be rather by one howers space. 1579 Spenser Sheph. Cal. Feb. 83 The rather Lambes bene starved with cold. 1583 Golding Calvin on Deut. clvi. 966 But we see one winter longer, and another winter later, and an other rather. [1620 Sir J. Davies Eccl., To W. Browne, What? been thy rather lamkins ill-apaid?] |
† b. Antecedent, prior; of greater importance. Obs. rare.
| 1657 J. Sergeant Schism Dispach't 278 A circumstance much encreasing the rather-probability of his greater Authority. Ibid. 297 The midle words importing his rather right to S. Paul's obedience. 1668 Pepys Diary 10 Feb., A great blow either given to the King or Presbyters, or, which is the rather of the two, to the House itself. |
† 2. The earlier (of two persons or things); the former. Obs. (Common c 1375–1450.)
| 1297 R. Glouc. (Rolls) 5809 Seint Edward þe martir..was is sone Bi is raþere wiue. c 1374 Chaucer Boeth. ii. pr. i. 20 (Camb. MS.) Thow art defeted for desire and talent of thi rather fortune. c 1400 Mandeville (1839) v. 46 The Sarazines maden another Cytee..and clepeden it the new Damyete. So that now no Man duellethe at the rathere Toun of Damyete. 1413 Pilgr. Sowle (Caxton) i. xvi. (1859) 17 In tyme of his rather lyf, he had space, and suffysaunt leyser ynow. 1484 Will of Taylour (Somerset Ho.), Wher as the body of Johanne my Rather wyf lieth enterid. |
† b. The previous or preceding (day or year). Obs.
| 1387 Trevisa Higden (Rolls) III. 145 Þe trauail of þe raþer day oþer þe feste of þat day. c 1400 Beryn 26 As thouȝe he had I-knowe hir al the rathir yeer. |
† 3. Of earlier times. Obs. rare—1.
| 1387 Trevisa Higden (Rolls) I. 177 Þat vertue keled..so þat þe raþer welles beeþ now but lakes oþer more vereyliche dreye chanels. |
† 4. More to be chosen, preferable. Obs. rare.
| c 1430 Hymns Virg. 86 It is raþir to bileeue þe wageringe wijnde Þan þe chaungeable world. c 1449 Pecock Repr. iii. xvii. 393 In such aventure it were rather to truste to the conscience and discrecion of him..than [etc.]. |
▪ II. rather, adv.
(ˈrɑːðə(r))
Forms: 1 hraðor, -ur, raðor, 2–3 raðer, 3 raþir, -ur, 3–4 rathere, 3–5 raþer, (4 -ere), 4–5 rathir, (5 -yr, -are, 5, 6 Sc. rether), 4– rather; also 3 rader, 5 radyr, 9 dial. raider, rayder.
[Compar. of rathe adv.
The pron. with long vowel (ɑː) is now usual in England; the short sound (ˈræðər, ˈraðər) is common in Scotland (but not dial.) and America, and is given by Walker as the standard pron. in his time. The use of (ˈreɪðə(r)), preferred by Walker, is now confined to dialects.]
I. Denoting precedence in time.
† 1. the rather, (all) the more quickly, (all) the sooner. Obs.
In some instances not clearly distinguishable from sense 4.
| c 850 O.E. Martyrol. 26 Dec., Hie him miclan þe reðran wæron & þe raðor hine oftorfod hæfdon. a 1123 O.E. Chron. (Laud MS.) an. 1009 [Hi] þa burh raðe ᵹe-eodon, ᵹif he þe raðor to him friðes to ne ᵹirndon. c 1205 Lay. 21649 Ȝif Ardur neore þe rader icumen þenne weoren Houwel inumen. c 1330 Sir Beues (MS. A.) 431 Boute þow þe raþer hennes te, I schel þe greue! c 1420 Chron. Vilod. 796 Bot ȝyff Seynt Woltrud hurre þe rather holpe, he nys bot dedde. 1523 Fitzherb. Husb. §46 If thou put a lytel terre in his eye, he will mende the rather. a 1536 Tindale in Foxe A. & M. (1563) 159/2 The pilgrimage that now is vsed is..a good meane to come the rather to grace. 1605 Shakes. Macb. i. vii. 62 When Duncan is asleepe (Whereto the rather shall his dayes hard Iourney Soundly inuite him). |
2. a. Earlier, sooner; at an earlier time, season, day, hour, etc. Now dial. † rather or later, sooner or later.
| c 1000 Ags. Gosp. John xx. 4 Se oðer leorning-cniht for-arn Petrus forne & cum raðor to ðære byrᵹenne. a 1300 Cursor M. 26516 Þan sal it helpe þe Vte o þi sin raþer to rise To crist. c 1330 R. Brunne Chron. Wace (Rolls) 5629 Raþer ne myghte [he] þider wende; Bote atte seue nyghtes ende He com. 1387 Trevisa Higden (Rolls) I. 167 Oþer þere was anoþer Dido, an elder þan sche; oþer Cartage was raþer i-founded. c 1475 Partenay 4011 This worle..goth vnto decline, Rather or later to an endly fine. 1566 Pasquine in a Traunce ii. b, I sawe the Heauen and the Starres..neither rather or later to rise or go downe. 1609 C. Butler Fem. Mon. (1634) 111 The continuance of hot and dry weather may cause them come somewhat rather. 17.. Exmoor Courtship (E.D.S.) 491 Why, tha Quesson es [= the question I] put a little rather. 1883–6 in dial. glossaries (Hants and Som.). |
b. With than. ? Obs.
| c 1330 Sir Beues (MS. A) 3537 He com raþer to þe tresore, Þ an hii be half and more. c 1391 Chaucer Astrol. i. §21 Thilke sterres..arisen rather than the degree of hire longitude. 1454 Paston Lett. I. 301 Yn case he know of it rathyr then ye. 1519 W. Horman Vulg. 245 b, The warke was finisshed rather than a man myght beleue. 1598 R. Barckley Felic. Man iii. (1603) 208 Rather then her yeares required, she was..chosen Abbesse. 1659 J. Leak Waterwks. 32 As concerning the Vessel D it is necessary that it empty rather than E. |
† c. (A specified time) earlier or sooner. Obs.
| 1455 Paston Lett. I. 338, I had lever ye were at London a weke the rather and tymelyer then a weke to late. c 1500 Melusine 233 Playsed god that ye were arryued two dayes rather, For thenne ye had found my fader on lyue. |
3. a. At an earlier time or date than the one now present or in question; previously, formerly. Obs. exc. dial.
| c 1275 Lay. 4650 He him ȝef þes womman; Þat raþer was mi lemman. c 1305 Land Cokayne 120 Þe cristal turniþ in to glasse, In state þat hit raþer wasse. 1387 Trevisa Higden (Rolls) I. 93 Perseus..made it a worþy lond þat was raþer vnworþy. Ibid. II. 357 Þe latter Hercules, anoþer þan we spak of raþer. 1559 Mirr. Mag., Dk. York xvi, An other hoast, wherof I spake not rather. 1886 W. Barnes Dorset Gloss., Rather, lately; just now. |
† b. Previously, beforehand. Obs. rare.
| c 1325 Chron. Eng. 675 in Ritson Metr. Rom. II. 298 The lordinges..the thef slowen anon, Ah rathere he woundede moni on. 1422 tr. Secreta Secret., Priv. Priv. 215 Oone man may not ouercome his enemys, but yf he haue radyr ouercome covardy. |
II. Denoting priority in nature or reason.
4. a. the rather, the more readily (on this account or for this reason); (all) the more.
| c 888 K. ælfred Boeth. xxxii. §2 Þeah þu nu hwæm fæᵹer ðince, ne bið hit no þy hræðor swa. c 900 Ags. Ps. (Th.) iv. 5 Ne scule ᵹe hit no þy hraðor þurhteon, þe læs ᵹe synᵹien. a 1225 Ancr. R. 190 Heie monnes messager, me schal heiliche underuongen,..& so muchel þe raðer, ȝif he is priue mid te kinge of heouene. ? 1447 Lett. Marg. Anjou & Bp. Beckington (Camden) 93 We shall the rather for our said chapellein sake have you in tendre remembrance. 1523 Fitzherb. Husb. §133 The weight of the bowes shall cause theym to be the rather cut downe. 1570–6 Lambarde Peramb. Kent (1826) 237 The true place of this conflict shoulde be Stouremouthe,..the rather for that it is derived of the mouth of the river Stoure. 1615 W. Lawson Country Housew. Gard. (1626) 29 You shall finde them stirring in the morning or euening, and the rather in moist weather. 1710 Tatler No. 253 ¶8 A Case..which I the rather mention, because both Sexes are concerned in it. 1818 Cruise Digest (ed. 2) II. 218 It ought not to be in the heir's power..to charge the lands..the rather because of the covenant [etc.]. 1885–94 R. Bridges Eros & Psyche Mar. xx, On earth he must maintain it as her son, The rather that his weapons were most fit. |
† b. Without the. Obs.
| 1463 Bury Wills (Camden) 19 Þat it may be redde and knowe to exorte the pepill rathere to prey for me. 1654 Bramhall Just Vind. vii. (1661) 203 Why should not the Bull of Nicholas the second..be as advantageous..? why not much rather? 1660 Barrow Euclid i. xix, After the same manner BC = AC, wherefore rather BC > AB. |
5. More truly or correctly; more properly speaking; with greater correspondence between the word or words and the fact. a. With than (Sc. nor; also † the rather).
| c 1380 Wyclif Wks. (1880) 118 It were raþere almes to lordis to hire..þan to holde [etc.]. c 1400 Beryn 2908 Þe Romeyns were in poynt te pas; Til ther were a þowsand, rathir mo þen les, Men I-armyd cleen. a 1536 Tindale Doct. Treat. 390 A thing begun rather than finished. 1560 J. Daus tr. Sleidane's Comm. 110 b, This demaunde of his..rather maketh them afrayde of a counsell, than provoketh them to it. 1567 Reg. Privy Council Scot. I. 578 Usurpand the rather the office of Princes nor liegis. 1657 R. Ligon Barbadoes (1673) 102 The Inhabitants..build their dwellings, rather like stoves then houses. 1711 Steele Spect. No. 49 ¶3 Their Entertainments are derived rather from Reason than Imagination. 1816 J. Wilson City of Plague ii. iii. 190 Her face..seem'd the face of sorrow Rather than of death. 1857 Buckle Civiliz. I. vii. 332 The new king, from levity rather than from reason, despised the disputes of theologians. |
b. Without than, in opposition or contrast to a preceding statement.
| c 1380 Wyclif Sel. Wks. I. 409 We have litil mater for to laughe, but rather for to morne. c 1450 Merlin xxxiii. 690 ‘I pray yow that ye for-yeve it me that I haue mys-don’. ‘So helpe me god’, quod the damesell, ‘rather shalt thou a-bye it full dere’. 1535 Coverdale Ezek. xxxiii. 17 The children off thy people saye..the waye off the Lorde is not right, where as their owne waye is rather vnright. 1576 Fleming Panopl. Epist. 227 marg., Whether this were Lysistratus the Sicyonian..I doubt much: thinking rather it was some other priuate man. 1596 Bacon Max. & Uses Com. Law Ep. Ded., An age wherein if science bee increased, conscience is rather decayed. 1768 Goldsm. Good-n. Man i. i, Say rather, that he loves all the world. 1884 tr. Lotze's Metaph. 112 We are therefore not entitled to treat the validity of the law as an independently thinkable fact..Rather it is simply the observed or expected fulfilment itself. |
c. or rather, used to introduce a statement more correct than the one already made. † Also and rather (with comparatives).
| 1460 Paston Lett. I. 508 Myn autorite is as grete as theris, and rather more as I tolde you. 1545 Udall Erasm. Par. Luke (1548) 86 Nere about the summe of twelue or fiftene poundes sterlynge or rather aboue. c 1645 Howell Lett. IV. 2 The Doctor by this Oversight (or Cunningness, rather) got a supply of Money. 1711 Steele Spect. No. 4 ¶4 Thus my Want of, or rather Resignation of Speech, gives me all the Advantages of a dumb Man. 1836 J. H. Newman Par. Serm. (1837) III. xxiv. 386 You will find there are few, or rather none at all. 1875 Jowett Plato (ed. 2) I. 122 Last night, or rather very early this morning. |
6. More (so) than not; more than anything else; hence, in a certain degree or measure; to some extent; somewhat, slightly. a. With vbs. of thinking, fearing, etc.
| 1597 J. King On Jonas (1618) 574 And surely I rather thinke, that they blessed Ionas in their hearts. 1611 A. Stafford Niobe 172, I put so great a difference betweene the ancient and modern papists, as that I resolue rather that the former are taken to mercy. 1709 E. Ward tr. Cervantes 55, I rather think I have worn the Mourning for you than for the dead Man. 1835 J. Kent Private Corr. II. 387, I rather guess I shall like it. 1875 Jowett Plato (ed. 2) I. 10, I rather think that you know him. |
b. With adjs., advbs., ns., or phrases. (Sometimes implying slight excess = rather too.)
| 1662 Pepys Diary 27 Dec., With the new Roxalana, which do [= does] it rather better in all respects,..than the first Roxalana. 1713 Hearne in Rel. Hearnianæ (1857) I. 282 These were rather later than the campagi. a 1766 F. Sheridan Sidney Bidulph IV. 65 It would be rather inconvenient to you at present to have your rent roll scrutinised. 1778 Learning at a Loss II. 163 His Appearance at the Baronet's must have been rather a silly one. 1788 M. Cutler in Life, Jrnls. & Corr. (1888) I. 429 The town is situated, very injudiciously, in rather a valley. 1829 Landor Imag. Conv. Wks. 1853 I. 515/1 Our bed indeed is rather of the highest. 1850 Smedley Frank Fairlegh xiii, Is it my trap you're talking about? rather the thing isn't it, eh? 1880 F. D. Matthew Wyclif's Eng. Wks. 114 If the tract be Wyclif's, we may date it rather before 1380. |
† c. So rather somewhat. Obs.
| 1732 Arbuthnot Rules of Diet in Aliments, etc. i. 247 Apricocks, unless mellow, are rather somewhat styptick. 1768 Woman of Honor III. 233 A range of thirteen chests rather somewhat larger than the common size. |
7. colloq. (formerly vulgar). Freq. with emphatic pronunc. (ˌrɑːˈðɜː(r)). Used as a strong affirmative in reply to a question: = ‘I (should) rather think so’; very much so; very decidedly. Now, or until recently, common also in upper-class or affected speech.
| 1836–9 Dickens Sk. Boz., Gt. Winglebury Duel, ‘Do you know the mayor's house?’.. ‘Rather’, replied the boots, significantly. 1856 Alb. Smith Adv. Mr. Ledbury I. iv. 27 ‘Do you know the young lady?’ ‘Rather!’ replied Johnson. 1885 A. Edwardes Girton Girl I. xiv. 280 Rather proud of my own accent... But Arbuthnot puts me in the shade, ra-ther. 1905 H. A. Vachell Hill i. 2 ‘You'll enjoy it—as I did—amazingly.’ ‘Ra-ther,’ said John. 1928 C. A. Nicholson Hell & Duchess ii. vi. 286 ‘May I give Audrey your blessing?’ ‘Ra-ther and my love.’ 1933 J. Buchan Prince of Captivity ii. i. 153 ‘You've heard Kenneth speak of him.’ ‘Rather. I want to meet him.’ 1975 Listener 10 Apr. 472/2 The producer had..prevented the willing son in the parable from saying ‘Yes, ra-ther, Dad,’ when asked to get on with the ‘allotment’. |
III. Denoting prior eligibility or choice.
8. a. Sooner (as a matter of fitness, expediency, etc.); with more propriety or advantage; with better reason or ground; more properly or justly. With than.
| c 1200 Trin. Coll. Hom. 213 He sholde raðer helden hit ut, þene men þermide fordrenchen. c 1380 Wyclif Wks. (1880) 376 Raþer þan þu schuldist be ocupied þerewiþ þu schalt renne awai þer-fro. c 1450 Merlin x. 148 Another ought rather to go on this massage than ye. 1573 L. Lloyd Marrow of Hist. (1653) 274 Therefore I rather deserve death than he. 1654 Bramhall Just Vind. ix. (1661) 263 Why they should rather submit themselves..to that See..then to any other Patriarchate. 1680 Locke Govt. i. xi. §127 'Tis rather to be thought, that an heir had no such Right by divine institution, than that God should give such a Right. a 1756 Mrs. Heywood New Present (1771) 256 Soft water should be used rather than hard. |
† b. As against, to the exclusion of, the other. Obs. rare—1.
| 1553 N. Grimalde tr. Cicero's Offices i. (1556) 34 b, Semblably fare they, who would striue together, whether of them should rather rule the common weale. |
9. Sooner (as a matter of individual choice); more readily or willingly; with greater liking or good-will; with or in preference. a. Expressing choice between two courses of action, or preference of one event to another.
In sentences of this type rather is placed either before the vb. or clause expressing the action or event preferred, or immediately before than. For the use of to after than, see the latter word.
| 1297 R. Glouc. (Rolls) 9419 Þe deserites gonne chese, Raþer þan to lese hor lond, hor lif þere to lese. 1440 in Wars Eng. in France (1864) II. 457 They..wolde rather that the paix were letted thanne he shulde be delivered and come hoome. 1551 Crowley Pleas. & Pain 517 Rather let your leases go, Then they shoulde worke you endelesse woe. 1675 E. Essex Lett. (1770) 199, I will rather suffer myself to be made a pack-horse than bear other mens faults. 1711 Addison Spect. No. 261 ¶8 We love rather to dazzle the Multitude, than consult our proper Interests. 1788 F. Burney Diary IV. 342 They would rather have died than refused. 1812 Jefferson Writ. (1830) IV. 175 A choice to fight two enemies at a time, rather than to take them by succession. 1885 Manch. Exam. 30 Dec. 5/3 Any man who resigns a great office in the State rather than act in opposition to the dictates of his judgment. |
b. Expressing choice between two things, persons, qualities, conditions, etc. † Also no rather (1393), more rather (1560).
| a 1300 Fall & Passion 27 in E.E.P. (1862) 13 Whi com he raþer to eue þan he com to adam. c 1380 Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 380 Þo blynde puple..wil raþer gif to waste housis of freris þen to parische chirchis. 1393 Langl. P. Pl. C. x. 123 He reuerenceþ hym ryght nouht, no raþer than anoþer. c 1450 tr. De Imitatione i. iii. 6 Þei chese raþer to be grete than meke. 1560 J. Daus tr. Sleidane's Comm. 6 b, Nowe he would gratifie no man more rather than hym. 1611 Bible Jer. viii. 3 Death shall bee chosen rather then life. 1711 Steele Spect. No. 6 ¶1 This unhappy Affectation of being Wise rather than Honest. 1856 Ruskin Mod. Paint. IV. v. xix. §8 Painting cheeks with health rather than rouge. |
c. Without than, in contrast to a preceding statement. Also rarely the rather.
| c 1275 Lay. 3943 Raþir ich wolle þe slean mid mine spere. c 1290 S. Eng. Leg. 110/134 Heo nolde cristinedom a-fongue, heo seide heo wolde raþer tuyrne aȝen In-to hire owene londe. 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. iv. 5 But resoun rede me þer-to rather wil I deye. a 1480 Lett. Marg. Anjou & Bp. Beckington (Camden) 125 Ye..wol not applie you..unto the said marriage..but rather induce yo{supr} said doghter to the contrarye. 1596 Danett tr. Comines (1614) 331 There died Monsieur de Montpensier himselfe, some say of poyson, others of an ague, which I rather beleeue. 1633 Bp. Hall Occas. Medit. §49, I would rather to see a plot less fair, and more yielding. 1703 Rowe Fair Penitent iv. i, I cou'd even wish we rather had been wreckt. 1819 Shelley Cenci i. i. 109 Which now delights me little. I the rather Look on such pangs as terror ill conceals. 1881 Jowett Thucyd. I. 122, I do not now commiserate the parents of the dead who stand here; I would rather comfort them. |
d. (One) had rather = (one) would rather. (See have v. 22 c.) † Hence to have rather, to choose or prefer..rather. (rare.)
The infin. after had is sometimes preceded by to.
| c 1450 in Rel. Antiq. I. 72 Yett haid I rether dye, For his sake, ons agayne. 1478 [see have v. 22]. 1523 Ld. Berners Froiss. I. 157 He had rather they had bene taken prisoners. 1551 Robinson tr. More's Utop. (1895) 6 Bicause I had be good then wise rather. 1594 Bedingfield tr. Machiavelli's Flor. Hist. (1595) 155 Which if we be not able to defend, then haue we rather to submit our selues to anie other Prince. 1667 Earl of Orrery St. Lett. (1743) II. 311, I had much rather to do it than say it. 1685 Gracian's Courtier's Orac. 18 To have rather be indifferent in a sublime employment, than excellent in an indifferent, is a desire rendred excusable by Generosity. 1719 De Foe Crusoe ii. v, Our men had much rather the weather had been calm. 1819 Shelley Ess., etc. (1852) II. 155, I had rather err with Plato than be right with Horace. 1875 Ruskin Fors Clav. lv. V. 189, I had rather come and draw the cart. |
† e. (One) would rather = (one) would rather have or choose. Obs.
| 1557 North Gueuara's Diall. Pr. 96, I woulde rather one onely day of lyfe then all the ryches of Roome. 1633 Bp. Hall Occas. Medit. §49, I would rather never to have light, than not to have it always. 1675 R. Burthogge Causa Dei 99 The Parent..who would rather than the better part of his estate..he could reclaim and turn him. |
f. Ellipt. phr. rather you than me (or I): I would rather that you did or underwent something than I (used to convey admiration, commiseration, etc.).
| 1968 ‘C. Aird’ Henrietta Who? xv. 192 A proper mix-up, isn't it?..Rather you than me. 1969 V. Gielgud Necessary End xiii. 104 You're a brave fellow. Rather you than I. Good luck. |
† IV. 10. Followed by or: see or adv.1 C 2.
| 1390 Gower Conf. III. 45 For rathere er he scholde faile, With Nigromance he wole assaile To make his incantacioun. 1432 Test. Ebor. (Surtees) II. 20 To amend y⊇ defawtes in y⊇ said brigges..rather or y⊇ brygges forsayde falle. c 1440 Gesta Rom. xlvi. 185 Rathir shalle the sowle parte from my bodye or I lese hit. 1527 Wakfelde Let. in Kotser Codicis (1528) P iv b, I had rather to dye a thousand tymes or suffer it. |
▪ III. rather, n. U.S. dial.
(ˈræðə(r))
Also ruther.
[f. the adv.]
A choice, preference. Cf. druther and ruther adv.
| 1903 Dialect Notes II. 326 ‘I would stay at home if I had my rather.’ Also pronounced ruther. 1913 H. Kephart Our Southern Highlanders xiii. 283 ‘It matters not, so I've been told, Where the body goes when the heart grows cold; But,’ she concluded, ‘a person has a rather about where he'd be put.’ 1930 W. Faulkner As I lay Dying 106 And if I had my rathers, you wouldn't be here at all. 1935 Z. N. Hurston Mules & Men i. ii. 49 Her tongue is all de weapon a woman got... She could have had mo' sense, but she told God no, she'd ruther take it out in hips. So God give her her ruthers. She got plenty hips, plenty mouf and no brains. Ibid. vii. 162 You didn't figger Ah was draggin' behind you when you was bringin' dat Sears and Roebuck catalogue over to my house and beggin' me to choose my ruthers. 1949 Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch 26 Dec. 6/5 In the Smokies,..to take one's preference is to ‘have your ruthers’. 1961 C. Himes Black on Black (1973) 46 If I had my rathers I'd make up my own band. |