How Do You Spell RATHER THAN?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈɑːðə ðɐn] (IPA)

The phrase "rather than" is commonly used to express a preference or alternative. The spelling of this phrase can be pronounced as /ˈræðər ðæn/, with the "th" sound in "than" being pronounced with the voiced dental fricative sound, /ð/. This sound is produced by placing the tip of the tongue between the top and bottom teeth, and vibrating the vocal cords. It is a common sound in the English language and is used in many words such as "this" and "that".

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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RATHER THAN Meaning and Definition

  1. Rather than is a conjunction that is predominantly used to introduce a preference or alternative choice. It suggests a preference for one option over another, emphasizing a different or contrasting viewpoint or action.

    Often used to make a distinction between two possibilities, rather than implies a preference for the first mentioned option. It indicates a deliberate choice to do or select one thing instead of another.

    For example, if given the option between staying home or going out, someone might say, "I would rather stay home than go out" to convey their preference for staying at home.

    Rather than can also be used to contrast or highlight the difference between two individuals or things. For instance, one could say, "The team decided to play defensively rather than offensively," to indicate that they opted for a more conservative strategy rather than an aggressive one.

    In general, rather than serves to express a preference, an alternative choice, or a contrasting viewpoint. It implies a deliberate decision or selection of one thing or option instead of another, either by personal preference or by emphasizing a notable difference between two options or contrasting ideas.

Common Misspellings for RATHER THAN

Etymology of RATHER THAN

The etymology of the phrase "rather than" can be traced back to Old English.

The word "rather" derives from the Old English word "hrathor", which meant "more quickly" or "more readily". It eventually evolved to refer to a preference or choice between alternatives.

The word "than" comes from the Old English word "than", meaning "then" or "at that time". Over time, it developed into a conjunction used to introduce the second element in a comparison.

The combination of "rather" and "than" has been used together since at least the 13th century, and the phrase "rather than" has retained its meaning of expressing a preference or choice between two alternatives.

Idioms with the word RATHER THAN

  • sooner rather than later The idiom "sooner rather than later" means to do something as soon as possible or to prioritize doing it at an earlier time rather than putting it off. It emphasizes the need for prompt action or completion of a task.
  • rather than "Rather than" is used to indicate a preference for one option over another or to show a choice between two possibilities. It is often used to introduce an alternative or to express a contrast between two things.