interjection
rather
Expresses emphatic agreement.
In the old British comedy, she answers “Rather!” with obvious enthusiasm.
Etymology
The emphatic reply develops from rather as an expression of preference or readiness. Used alone, it strongly affirms the proposition being offered.
More examples
- The British character replies “Rather!” when asked if he enjoyed dinner.
- The period novel uses “Rather!” as an emphatic yes.
- He imitates the old-fashioned British reply, “Rather!”
Forms
rather
Similar words
- certainly
- A contemporary emphatic agreement without the chiefly British flavor.
- absolutely
- Absolutely is a more common emphatic affirmation in American speech.