- rather than
- rather than phraseused for saying that one thing is preferred to another or happens instead of another
Doug chose to quit rather than admit that he’d made a mistake.
Rather than criticizing your husband, why not find out if there’s something wrong?
We want the matter settled sooner rather than later.
Main entry: rather* * *
rather than1 : in place of (something or someone) : instead of (something or someone)He writes at a table rather than a desk.
Why do one thing rather than another?
Rather than using dried herbs, he picked fresh ones from the garden.
: and notShe reacted by laughing rather than by getting upset.
He was happy rather than sad.
2— used to say what is not chosen or done because something else is chosen or done insteadRather than continue the argument, she walked away.
I chose to sing rather than play an instrument.
• • •Main Entry: ↑rather* * *
rather than idiominstead of sb/sth•
I think I'll have a cold drink rather than coffee.
•
Why didn't you ask for help, rather than trying to do it on your own?
Useful english dictionary. 2012.