Dictionary

1rather than

conjunction

Definition of RATHER THAN

1
—used with the infinitive form of a verb to indicate negation as a contrary choice or wish <rather than continue the argument, he walked away> <chose to sing rather than play violin>
2
:  and not <obscures rather than resolves the problem> <why do one thing rather than another?> <happy rather than sad>
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First Known Use of RATHER THAN

14th century

2rather than

preposition

Definition of RATHER THAN

:  instead of <rather than being pleased, she was angry>

First Known Use of RATHER THAN

1595

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