French word

plutôt

Pronunciation

IPA/plyto/

Meaning

  • adverbrather

Example

Je préfère plutôt rester à la maison.

I would rather stay at home.

Illustration for plutôt (rather)

More examples

Il est plutôt tard pour téléphoner.

It is quite late to call.

Core concept

A scale points to a moderate level while its pointer also favors one available option.

Common phrases

  • plutôt que

    rather than

  • plutôt bien

    quite well

  • plutôt tard

    quite late

Similar words

de préférence: Indicates a preferred choice or method.
assez: Indicates a moderate to fairly high degree.
très: Indicates a very high degree.

Definition in French

Sert à modérer ou renforcer une qualification en indiquant un degré moyen ('assez', 'relativement') et pouvant aussi introduire une alternative.

Word origin

The adverb formed from plus tost, 'more early', and its meaning expanded from time comparison to degree, preference, and alternative choice.

Usage tips

  • Plutôt is distinct from plus tôt, which means 'earlier' in time; the two forms sound alike in many varieties of French.

Other meanings

  • quiteadverb
  • insteadadverb

Opposites

  • peulittleadverb

Word lists with this word