# rafter vs rather

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### rafter
*noun · IPA /ˈɹɑːftə(ɹ)/ · frequency rank #49,579*
One of a series of sloped beams that extend from the ridge or hip to the downslope perimeter or eave, designed to support the roof deck and its associated loads.

### rather
*adverb · IPA /ˈɹɑː.ðə(ɹ)/ · frequency rank #478*
Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rafter-vs-rather