Rather vs. Prefer — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Rather is used to express a preference for one option over others, emphasizing choice, while prefer indicates a general liking for one thing compared to another.
Difference Between Rather and Prefer
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Rather is commonly used to make a specific choice clear in a given context, often in decision-making situations. Whereas, prefer is used to express a broader, more general preference that may not be tied to an immediate choice.
In usage, "rather" can be employed as an adverb to suggest a degree of reluctance or in place of "instead." On the other hand, "prefer" functions as a verb that suggests favoring something more than another.
The construction of sentences with "rather" often involves a comparative or an alternative scenario. Conversely, sentences with "prefer" typically follow a structure that links two alternatives directly by using "to" or "over."
Examples often show "rather" being used to express a corrective or more emphatic preference, such as in choosing between less desirable options. Whereas "prefer" usually indicates a more consistent or enduring choice based on personal taste.
Linguistically, "rather" can also serve as a discourse marker to introduce a statement that contrasts with what might be expected, highlighting a specific preference in context. Prefer, on the other hand, rarely serves such a rhetorical function and is straightforward in expressing likes or dislikes.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb, occasionally conjunction
Verb
Usage Context
Immediate, specific choices; corrective scenarios
General, enduring preferences
Typical Constructions
Followed by "than" when comparing options
Often used with "to" or "over" in comparisons
Tone
Can imply reluctance or a stronger preference among equals
Indicates a steady, consistent liking
Examples
"I would rather go home than stay out late."
"I prefer tea to coffee."
Compare with Definitions
Rather
In formal or old-fashioned use to mean 'more precisely'.
That is rather to say, he declined.
Prefer
To advocate or wish for something.
I would prefer that we leave early.
Rather
As an adverb indicating preference.
She would rather walk than drive.
Prefer
To like one thing more than another.
I prefer winter sports over summer ones.
Rather
To mean 'quite' or 'to a significant degree'.
It's rather cold outside.
Prefer
To prioritize or give precedence.
I prefer working in the mornings.
Rather
As a way to introduce alternatives.
I'd rather not talk about it.
Prefer
In legal or formal contexts to mean presenting formally.
The prosecution prefers the charges against the defendant.
Rather
To suggest a preferable option in a negative situation.
I'd rather you didn't smoke here.
Prefer
To choose something rather than something else.
I prefer chocolate to vanilla.
Rather
Rather may refer to:
Prefer
Like (one thing or person) better than another or others; tend to choose
Val would presumably prefer that you didn't get arrested
I prefer Venice to Rome
I would prefer to discuss the matter in private
Rather
More readily; preferably
I'd rather go to the movies.
Prefer
Submit (a charge or a piece of information) for consideration
The police will prefer charges
Rather
More exactly; more accurately
He's my friend, or rather he was my friend.
Prefer
Promote or advance (someone) to a prestigious position
He was eventually preferred to the bishopric of Durham
Rather
To a certain extent; somewhat
It's rather cold out. I was rather hoping you'd call.
Prefer
To choose or be in the habit of choosing as more desirable or as having more value
Prefers coffee to tea.
Rather
On the contrary
This is not a thoughtful criticism. Rather it is an insult.
Prefer
To give priority or precedence to (a creditor).
Rather
(răthûr, rä-) Chiefly British Most certainly. Used as an emphatic affirmative reply.
Prefer
To present (a charge) against a defendant before a court
Prefer an indictment.
Rather
(obsolete) More quickly.
Prefer
To present (a case) to a court as ready for consideration
Prefer the case for trial.
Rather
; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)
I would rather stay in all day than go out with them.
I would like this one rather than the other one.
I would much rather be with you.
Prefer
(Archaic) To recommend for advancement or appointment; promote.
Rather
(conjunctive) Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.
It wasn't supposed to be popular; rather, it was supposed to get the job done.
She didn't go along, but rather went home instead.
Prefer
(transitive) To be in the habit of choosing something rather than something else; to favor; to like better.
I prefer tea to coffee.
I'd prefer it if you didn't do it.
Rather
(conjunctive) Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)
I didn't want to leave. Or rather I did, just not alone.
Prefer
To advance, promote (someone or something).
Rather
(degree) Somewhat, fairly.
This melon is rather tasteless, especially compared to the one we had last time.
We had some rather bad news today.
We’ll be seeing rather a lot of you over the next few days.
Prefer
(transitive) To present or submit (something) to an authority (now usually in "to prefer charges").
Rather
To prefer; to prefer to.
Prefer
To put forward for acceptance; to introduce, recommend (to).
Rather
(obsolete) Prior; earlier; former.
Prefer
To carry or bring (something) forward, or before one; hence, to bring for consideration, acceptance, judgment, etc.; to offer; to present; to proffer; to address; - said especially of a request, prayer, petition, claim, charge, etc.
He spake, and to her hand preferred the bowl.
Presently prefer his suit to Cæsar.
Three tongues prefer strange orisons on high.
Rather
An enthusiastic affirmation.
Would you like some? –Rather!
Prefer
To go before, or be before, in estimation; to outrank; to surpass.
Rather
Prior; earlier; former.
Now no man dwelleth at the rather town.
Prefer
To cause to go before; hence, to advance before others, as to an office or dignity; to raise; to exalt; to promote; as, to prefer an officer to the rank of general.
I would prefer him to a better place.
Rather
Earlier; sooner; before.
Thou shalt, quod he, be rather false than I.
A good mean to come the rather to grace.
Prefer
To set above or before something else in estimation, favor, or liking; to regard or honor before another; to hold in greater favor; to choose rather; - often followed by to, before, or above.
If I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.
Preferred an infamous peace before a most just war.
Rather
More readily or willingly; preferably.
My soul chooseth . . . death rather than my life.
Prefer
Like better; value more highly;
Some people prefer camping to staying in hotels
We prefer sleeping outside
Rather
On the other hand; to the contrary of what was said or suggested; instead.
Was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse.
Prefer
Select as an alternative; choose instead; prefer as an alternative;
I always choose the fish over the meat courses in this restaurant
She opted for the job on the East coast
Rather
Of two alternatives conceived of, this by preference to, or as more likely than, the other; somewhat.
He sought throughout the world, but sought in vain,And nowhere finding, rather feared her slain.
Prefer
Promote over another;
He favors his second daughter
Rather
More properly; more correctly speaking.
This is an artWhich does mend nature, change it rather, butThe art itself is nature.
Prefer
Give preference to one creditor over another
Rather
In some degree; somewhat; as, the day is rather warm; the house is rather damp.
You are come to me in happy time,The rather for I have some sport in hand.
Rather
On the contrary;
Rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left
He didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter
Used English terms instead of Latin ones
Rather
To some (great or small) extent;
It was rather cold
The party was rather nice
The knife is rather dull
I rather regret that I cannot attend
He's rather good at playing the cello
He is kind of shy
Rather
More readily or willingly;
Clean it well, preferably with warm water
I'd rather be in Philadelphia
I'd sooner die than give up
Rather
To a degree (not used with a negative);
Quite tasty
Quite soon
Quite ill
Quite rich
Common Curiosities
What are the grammatical differences between "rather" and "prefer"?
"Rather" is mainly an adverb, and "prefer" is a verb.
How is "prefer" typically used in sentences?
Prefer is used as a verb to indicate a general liking or favoritism towards something, often in more stable or long-term preferences.
Can "rather" and "prefer" be used interchangeably?
Not typically, as "rather" is more immediate and sometimes implies reluctance, while "prefer" indicates a steady liking.
Does "prefer" always need another verb?
Yes, "prefer" generally needs to be linked with other verbs or nouns to indicate preference.
How do "rather" and "prefer" differ in tone?
"Rather" can suggest reluctance or an alternative choice more strongly, whereas "prefer" is typically more neutral or favorable.
What is a typical sentence structure for "prefer"?
A typical structure involves linking it with "to" or "over" to compare two preferences (e.g., "I prefer coffee to tea").
Is "rather" more formal than "prefer"?
"Rather" can sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned in some contexts compared to the more straightforward "prefer."
What is the main use of "rather"?
It is primarily used to express a preference among choices, particularly in specific or immediate contexts.
Can "rather" be used without comparing two things?
Yes, it can be used to indicate a significant degree of something (e.g., "rather big").
Is "prefer" suitable for all contexts?
"Prefer" is versatile but tends to be less forceful than "rather" when making an immediate or strong preference known.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
