How to Pronounce Rather

To pronounce "rather", say RATH-er — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈɹɑːðə/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

rather

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈɹɑːðə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “rather”

"rather" has 2 syllables: rath-er. It rhymes with blather and smother, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: wrather — easy to mix up when writing.

What does rather mean?

verb

  1. To prefer; to prefer to.

adjective

  1. Prior; earlier; former.

adverb

  1. More quickly; sooner, earlier.
  2. Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)

    “I'd like this one rather than the other one.”

Synonyms

as lieflieferlieverfairlyquitesomewhat

Antonyms

utterly

Words that rhyme with rather

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

blathersmotherothergathermotherlatheranothersutherslathergodmother

Related words

soonerpreferablyquitekindainsteadsoonthanwhereas

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "rather"?▾

"Rather" has 2 syllables: rath · er.

What is the IPA transcription of "rather"?▾

The IPA transcription of "rather" is /ˈɹɑːðə/.

What does "rather" mean?▾

Rather: To prefer; to prefer to.

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