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DictionaryratherTo some degree
adverb

rather

To a certain extent.

The room feels rather cold despite the small electric heater.

Etymology
ratherOld Englishsooner

The older comparative meant sooner or more readily. Its degree use developed into a qualifier indicating a noticeable but limited extent.

More examples

  • That was rather an unusual answer.
  • She looked rather tired after the journey.
  • The instructions are rather difficult to follow.

Forms

rather

Similar words

somewhat
More neutral about a moderate degree.
fairly
Fairly often sounds more neutral and less surprised than rather.