Rather

Question

'Rather' means 'a little' 'somewhat' or 'alot'?Example:'This is rather utile'

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

It's a very vague word. The listener has to decide, from the context.

Is 'utile' a typo?

Clive

AH020387 · Answer

No 'utile' means 'useful', look it up.

Are you saying that the word 'rather' could mean all three depending on the context:

'a little' 'somewhat' or 'alot'

?

Anonymous · Answer

OOOOh! Another tough one. I'm assuming you meant to type "futile," rather than "utile."

This message could be rather futile if you don't understand me.

My feeling is that 'somewhat' is probably the best answer for this context. I think another word that can work in place of "rather" is "quite." However, "quite" is a bit stronger than rather. If you really didn't understand me AT ALL, it would be quite futile.

So, it's somewhere between somewhat and a lot. By the way, 'a lot' should be written as two words.
I've made that mistake a lot myself.

Keep in mind that rather also has other meanings.

Rather than go into those meanings now, I think I should probably stop typing, but I'd rather not.

My first "Rather than go" could have been replaced by "instead of going."

My second "rather not" could have been replaced by "prefer not to."

So, "rather" can mean instead (even though the part of speech is different there), or it can refer to preference.

I'd rather be watching TV, or rather---reading a good book.

The first meaning above has to do with preference and the second is a way we correct ourselves sometimes.

Alas, my fun--or my instruction rather, has come to an end. Too bad, so sad...

Rather fun, wasn't it?

Clive · Answer

Hi,

No 'utile' means 'useful', look it up. (You may not realize that saying this in this way can appear a little rude, because of its abruptness.)

I did, and it wasn't in my Concise oxford Dictionary. If it's in yours, be aware that it's a very uncommon word.

Are you saying that the word 'rather' could mean all three depending on the context:

'a little' 'somewhat' or 'alot' Yes.

Clive

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