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Tertuliano
The meaning of 'rather'
Hey guys, I was reading some news and I've read "rather" a couple times.
But I don't know, if the meaning that I know is the only one for this word.
I know that in this example: I'd rather be there. it means something like: it'd be better to be there/I'd wish be there.
So are there other meanings for this?
Dec 30, 2018 8:15 PM
Corrections · 3
Oh! Definitely it has a lot of meanings. Thank you Jutta and Norman!
December 30, 2018
On top of the meanings Norman mentioned, it can also be used as an adverb used with an adjective, meaning something like "relatively", as for example "His house was rather big." or "He was driving rather fast". It is a bit of an understatement thing. What you mean is: "He was going really fast", but it would be slightly impolite or direct to say it, so you use "rather" instead. I think it is probably more of a British thing to use it in this way than an American one.
December 30, 2018
"Rather you than me" means I am glad I am not in your shoes. For example: You "I am going parachuting tomorrow". Me: "Rather you than me".
"I'd rather not get involved" means I do not wish to be involved in a situation.
"Rather!" can mean I agree with you. "Do you think I am on the right track?" "Rather!"
This gives you 3 other examples. No doubt there are more.
December 30, 2018
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Tertuliano
Language Skills
Arabic, English, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish
Learning Language
Arabic, German, Spanish
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