Plutôt

Plutôt is a French adverb with several related senses centered on degree, preference, and selection. It most commonly means "to a greater extent" or "quite, rather," and it is often used to soften or qualify statements. In addition, it appears in the expression plutôt que to introduce a preference between two alternatives, meaning "rather than" or "instead of."

In everyday usage, plutôt can modify adjectives, adverbs, or entire clauses. Examples include: "C'est plutôt bien" (It's rather good); "Il est plutôt tard" (It's rather late); "Je préfère plutôt rester à la maison" (I would rather stay at home). In the construction "plutôt que," it marks a choice or substitution: "Nous irons au restaurant plutôt que d'aller chez nous" (We will go to the restaurant rather than to our home).

Plutôt is distinct from plus tôt, which means "earlier" in time. The two are related historically but function differently in modern French: plutô t is an adverb expressing degree or preference and is written as a single word, while plus tôt is a two-word phrase referring to time.

Grammar-wise, plutôt is invariable as an adverb and sits before the adjective or clause it modifies. It does not inflect for gender or number. The word is widely used in both spoken and written French and is a common element in expressing nuance, understatement, or selection.