rather than — used to show that one thing/action is preferred to, chosen over, or true instead of another
Part of speech: PREPOSITION
Definition: used to show that one thing/action is preferred to, chosen over, or true instead of another
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈræð.ɚ ðæn/
Example Sentences
- I'd rather eat kimchi than eat plain rice every day.
- My cat prefers sleeping on my keyboard rather than the expensive cat bed I bought.
- Rather than studying all night, he decided to take a nap and hope for the best.
rather than
PREPOSITION[/ˈræð.ɚ ðæn/]
used to show that one thing/action is preferred to, chosen over, or true instead of another
She chose the stairs rather than the elevator to stay active.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Rather derives from Old English 'hrathor', a comparative form meaning 'sooner' or 'more quickly'. Over time, the sense shifted from temporal comparison to preference, evolving to mean 'more willingly' or 'preferably'. Combined with 'than', it developed into an expression for comparing two options and expressing a choice between them.
Breakdown
rather (from Old English hrathor, comparative of 'hræth' meaning quick/soon) + than (from Old English thonne, indicating comparison or alternative). Together they form a comparative construction expressing preference or choice between alternatives.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I'd rather eat kimchi than eat plain rice every day.”
“My cat prefers sleeping on my keyboard rather than the expensive cat bed I bought.”
“Rather than studying all night, he decided to take a nap and hope for the best.”
“The government chose to invest in education rather than military spending.”
“Rather than admitting he was lost, he kept driving in circles for an hour.”
📚Related Words
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