English pronunciation · Words Starting with R

Rather Pronunciation

Rather is pronounced RA-dher, IPA /ˈræðɝ/.

RA-dher

US /ˈræðɝ/  ·  UK /ˈrɑːðə/

Syllables: RA · dher (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)

adverb: To a noticeable degree, or used to show which of two things you would choose.

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Rather in a Sentence

  • The talk was rather long.
  • I would rather stay in tonight.
  • She was tired, or rather exhausted.

Common Mispronunciations of Rather

Not RA-thuhr

This th hums instead of hissing, which is why the respelling writes it as dh.

Not RAY-dher

Rather sits with gather and lather, all three of them short and open in the first beat.

Tip: Americans say RA-dher and most British speakers say RAH-dher. Both are standard.

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