Rather than

Definition

Rather than is a conjunction or preposition used to indicate preference for one thing in place of another; it introduces an alternative or contrast.

Parts of Speech

• Conjunction
• Preposition

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈræðər ðæn/
• Respelling: RADH-er than

British English

• IPA: /ˈrɑːðə ðæn/
• Respelling: RA-thuh than

Etymology

Late Middle English: from rather (Old English ræðor, comparative of rǣd “quickly, soon”) + than (Old English þan, comparative particle).

Derivatives

• none (fixed phrase)

Synonyms

• instead of
• in preference to
• as opposed to
• in lieu of

Antonyms

• as well as
• along with
• together with

Usage

The phrase "rather than" is used to express a preference or contrast between two actions or items. For example, "She chose to walk rather than take the bus," or "I’d prefer tea rather than coffee."

Related Terms

• Instead: As an alternative or substitute.
• Prefer: To like one thing more than another.
• Alternatively: Used to introduce another option.
• Contrast: A comparison showing differences.
• Comparison: The act of evaluating two or more items.

Detailed Definitions

Conjunction

• Used to introduce an alternative action or situation – connects two clauses, indicating preference for the first.
  • Example: "Rather than complain, he offered to help fix the problem."
• Used to express contrast – presents a contrasting choice between two actions.
  • Example: "She decided to study all night rather than risk failing the exam."

Preposition

• Used before a noun or noun phrase to show preference – indicates one thing is chosen over another.
  • Example: "He ordered salad rather than fries."
• Used to indicate substitution – denotes that one item replaces another.
  • Example: "Use water rather than oil in this recipe."