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Spell Bee Word: rather


Basic Details

Word: Rather

Part of Speech: Adverb

Meaning: To some degree, or fairly. With would, it shows what you prefer: I would rather walk.

Synonyms: fairly, quite, somewhat

How to Spell Rather

Syllables: rath - er

Tricky part: The th makes the soft sound in father, and the ending is er, not ar or ur.

Watch out for: rathar, rathur, raather

Memory tip: Rather is father with an r in place of the f.

Idioms and Phrases

  1. would rather: would prefer to Example: "I would rather read a book than watch that film."

Usage Examples

Example 1: The exam was rather easy this time.

Example 2: Leela would rather eat idli than bread for breakfast.

Example 3: It is rather cold in Shimla even in April.

Fun Fact

In Old English, rath meant quick or early, so rather once meant sooner. The sense of preferring grew from choosing what you would sooner do.

Practise the CREST Way

Word Cookie

Insert the correct letters to form a word:

r_th_r

a) e, e
b) a, a
c) a, e
d) u, e

Show answer

c) a, e. The vowels are the same as in father: a first, then e.

Word Connection

Choose the synonym of the word 'rather' as used in the sentence:

The film was rather long, so we took a short break in the middle.

a) sharply
b) fairly
c) hardly
d) never

Show answer

b) fairly. Rather here softens long to mean fairly long.

Spell-o-Spell

Choose the meaning of the correctly spelt word:

1. rather 2. becuase 3. allready 4. untill

a) to a certain degree
b) up to the time when
c) before now or before then
d) for the reason that

Show answer

a) to a certain degree. Until has one l, because has au after the c, and already has one l, so rather is the correct word.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 'I would rather walk' means I ____ to walk.

a) prefer
b) refuse
c) fear
d) forget

Show answer

a) prefer

2. Choose the best word: She chose tea ____ than coffee.

a) rather
b) much
c) instead
d) better

Show answer

a) rather

Associated Words

assuranceinfluencedcompanyaverserespecting
generallyillustrateconcertvariationuncountable

Next steps

How to participate in CREST International Spell Bee

The CREST International Spell Bee (CSB) is conducted in two editions – CREST International Spell Bee - Summer (CSB) and CREST International Spell Bee - Winter (CSBW) – giving students across the globe an opportunity to showcase and enhance their spelling proficiency. Designed for young learners from Senior KG to Class 8, the competition focuses on word-building, pronunciation, and vocabulary enrichment, helping students develop strong linguistic skills.

Steps to Participate:

Step 1: Visit the registration page and complete the registration with your desired subject.

Step 2: After Registration done, do login at www.crestolympiads.com/login.

Step 3: After login, go to dashboard and click on Book slot/Take Exam

Step 4: Schedule your exam date and preferred time.

Step 5: Log in with your credentials on the exam day at the scheduled time and take the exam.

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