would rather

would rather

Would prefer (to do something); would be more inclined or willing (to do something). I would rather go see a movie, to be honest, but we can go dancing if you like. She said she would rather not talk to you right now.

See also: rather

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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.

See also: rather

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

would rather

Prefer to, as in We would rather eat dinner before the movie. [Mid-1500s]

See also: rather

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

would rather... (than)

would prefer to: She’d rather die than give a speech. ♢ ‘Do you want to come with us?’ ‘No, I’d rather not.’ ♢ Would you rather walk or go by car? ♢ ‘Do you mind if I smoke?’ ‘I’d rather you didn’t.’

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