rather?
Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2005 5:42 pm
by Brazilian dude
For a better understanding of my puzzlement, look
here.
And another thing. What's this supposed to mean?
I was rather pleased when I won the prize
Bewildered dude
Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2005 6:37 pm
by KatyBr
'rather' takes some away from the object. It waters it down.
to say you are pleased is more emphatic, makes it seem as tho' you are happy, but rather pleased understates it, Brits love litotes.
kt
Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2005 7:45 pm
by Garzo
Actually, rather can mean a reduction in the strength of a meaning, but it can also mean an increase!
Either way, this word causes the strength to shift only a shade each way. Because of this, rather is usually more than a little or a bit, but less than quite.
For example, to say that someone is rather shy, means that they are shy to a noticeable amount. If the person is being polite (an action that has the most confusing effect on the English language), then rather shy might mean very shy.
"I was rather annoyed when the van pulled out right in front of me."
In the sentence above, the speaker is shading their annoyance: it is considerable yet controlled.
"Would yo like another whiskey?"
"Rather!"
This is rather old-fashioned (i.e. notedly). The interjection rather means "yes, certainly, of course".
I hope that makes sense...