Preferably vs. Rather — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Preferably and Rather
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Compare with Definitions
Preferably
Ideally; if possible
He would like a place of his own, preferably outside the town
Rather
Rather may refer to:
Preferably
More desirable or worthy than another; preferred
Coffee is preferable to tea, I think.
Rather
More readily; preferably
I'd rather go to the movies.
Preferably
In preference; by choice; in a preferable manner.
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Rather
More exactly; more accurately
He's my friend, or rather he was my friend.
Preferably
In preference; by choice.
To choose Plautus preferably to Terence.
Rather
To a certain extent; somewhat
It's rather cold out. I was rather hoping you'd call.
Preferably
More readily or willingly;
Clean it well, preferably with warm water
I'd rather be in Philadelphia
I'd sooner die than give up
Rather
On the contrary
This is not a thoughtful criticism. Rather it is an insult.
Rather
(răthûr, rä-) Chiefly British Most certainly. Used as an emphatic affirmative reply.
Rather
(obsolete) More quickly.
Rather
; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)
I would rather stay in all day than go out with them.
I would like this one rather than the other one.
I would much rather be with you.
Rather
(conjunctive) Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.
It wasn't supposed to be popular; rather, it was supposed to get the job done.
She didn't go along, but rather went home instead.
Rather
(conjunctive) 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.
Rather
(degree) Somewhat, fairly.
This melon is rather tasteless, especially compared to the one we had last time.
We had some rather bad news today.
We’ll be seeing rather a lot of you over the next few days.
Rather
To prefer; to prefer to.
Rather
(obsolete) Prior; earlier; former.
Rather
An enthusiastic affirmation.
Would you like some? –Rather!
Rather
Prior; earlier; former.
Now no man dwelleth at the rather town.
Rather
Earlier; sooner; before.
Thou shalt, quod he, be rather false than I.
A good mean to come the rather to grace.
Rather
More readily or willingly; preferably.
My soul chooseth . . . death rather than my life.
Rather
On the other hand; to the contrary of what was said or suggested; instead.
Was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse.
Rather
Of two alternatives conceived of, this by preference to, or as more likely than, the other; somewhat.
He sought throughout the world, but sought in vain,And nowhere finding, rather feared her slain.
Rather
More properly; more correctly speaking.
This is an artWhich does mend nature, change it rather, butThe art itself is nature.
Rather
In some degree; somewhat; as, the day is rather warm; the house is rather damp.
You are come to me in happy time,The rather for I have some sport in hand.
Rather
On the contrary;
Rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left
He didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter
Used English terms instead of Latin ones
Rather
To some (great or small) extent;
It was rather cold
The party was rather nice
The knife is rather dull
I rather regret that I cannot attend
He's rather good at playing the cello
He is kind of shy
Rather
More readily or willingly;
Clean it well, preferably with warm water
I'd rather be in Philadelphia
I'd sooner die than give up
Rather
To a degree (not used with a negative);
Quite tasty
Quite soon
Quite ill
Quite rich
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