would rather

verb
UK: /wʊd ˈrɑːðər/
US: /wʊd ˈræðər/

  1. Used to indicate preference; to prefer to do or have something.

    1. I would rather stay home tonight. [ ] [ ]
    2. She would rather go to the park than stay at home because it is more fun outside. [ ] [ ]

  2. Used to express a polite request or suggestion.

    1. I would rather you didn't tell anyone. [ ] [ ]
    2. He would rather we finished the project today to avoid any last-minute issues. [ ] [ ]

  3. Used to indicate a less drastic option than another.

    1. I would rather walk than take the bus. [ ] [ ]
    2. They would rather postpone the meeting than cancel it altogether due to the weather. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

prefer favor sooner
would rather adverb

  1. Used to show that one thing is preferred to another.

    1. I would rather have tea than coffee. [ ] [ ]
    2. He would rather read a book in the garden than watch television indoors all the time. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "would rather" in English means: Used to indicate preference; to prefer to do or have something., Used to express a polite request or suggestion., Used to indicate a less drastic option than another..

The phonetic transcription of "would rather" is /wʊd ˈrɑːðər/ in British English and /wʊd ˈræðər/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "would rather": prefer, favor, sooner.

Example usage of "would rather": "I would rather stay home tonight.". More examples on the page.