How to pronounce rather
Say it like RATH-er. Rather has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RATH).
- RATH
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rather pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RATHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of rather
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: RAH-thuh.
Other ways to say rather
Rather also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- RUHTH-er /ˈrʌðɚ/
What does rather mean?
- Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)“I'd rather not have spent all the money, but it really was an emergency.”
- Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.“It wasn't supposed to be popular; rather, it was supposed to get the job done.”
- Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)“I didn't want to leave. Or rather I did, just not alone.”
- An enthusiastic affirmation.“Would you like some? –Rather!”
- A choice or a preference.
Where does rather come from?
From Middle English rather, from Old English hraþor, comparative of hraþe (“soon, early, fast”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with rather
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rather.
Questions about saying rather
How do you pronounce rather?
Say RATH-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈræðɚ/. In British English it is /ˈrɑːðə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rather?
Rather has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RATH). Broken into parts: RATH · er.
Is rather pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈrɑːðə/ (RAH-thuh).