rather

had rather do something and had sooner do something

prefer to do something. (The had is usually expressed as the contraction, 'd.) I'd rather go to town than sit here all evening. They'd rather not.

See also: had

have one's rathers and have one's druthers (More informal with druthers.)

to have what one prefers; to have one's way. If I had my rathers, we'd go out every Friday night. I suspect that if Joe had his druthers, he'd be taking Mary to the dance instead of Jill.

See also: have

I'd rather face a firing squad than do something

Fig. I would prefer to stand and be executed by gunfire than to do something. I'd rather face a firing squad than go shopping the day after Christmas.

See also: face, firing

would rather

would more willingly; would more readily. I would rather have an apple than a pear. I don't like pears. I'd rather live in the north than the south, because I like snow.