rather full

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather full" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is quite filled or occupied, often in a somewhat informal context. Example: "The restaurant was rather full, so we had to wait for a table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Her jawline was pure, the pale lips rather full, cracked, parted.

The New Yorker

The result was not flat, but rather full of movement and depth.

The Economist

Some of his Yankees teammates thought he was rather full of it.

The New York Times - Sports

But then he does get rather full of himself and the ideal path in life.

The New York Times - Arts

I spotted a rather full bottle of whiskey on the counter.

The New York Times - Magazine

But this stickler thing he has for facts, combined with the name-dropping, can mean his answers are rather full.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

By which we mean the baritone Walker of late-60s baroque pop fame meeting experimental Walker in full-tilt – or rather, full-Tilt – meat-punching mode/mood.

The Guardian - Music

"Stromboli" is also the name of Ms. Abramovic's series of stark photographs, including one in which she is shown naked, carrying a rather full-figured and also naked villager up the steep, smoking crater.

The New York Times - Travel

The various permutations of self that Bowie brought to bear weren't calculated stagecraft but rather full-on performance art, an outward expression of the musician's inner self.

Los Angeles Times

This rather full-on marketing slogan was designed to lure young singles 15 kilometres off the coast of Rockhampton to a tiny island on the Great Barrier Reef.

Vice

Rather, full-length C18 may activate Wnt signaling regardless of the FZC18 module, as V2FL potently induces CRT.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like schedules or agendas, "rather full" implies busyness or a large number of commitments.

Common error

While "rather full" is acceptable, it can sound informal in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal synonyms such as "quite complete" or "substantially occupied" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather full" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the degree to which it is filled or occupied. Ludwig AI examples show it describing both physical objects (a bottle, trousers) and abstract concepts (a schedule, a life).

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rather full" is a versatile expression used to describe something that is quite filled or occupied. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears in various contexts, from describing physical objects to abstract concepts like schedules. While generally acceptable in most writing, it's important to consider the context and audience, as more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain situations. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is commonly used in News & Media and Science, suggesting a neutral register. When aiming for precision or heightened formality, synonyms such as "quite complete" or "well-filled" can be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite complete

Emphasizes the completeness of something to a considerable degree, slightly more formal.

fairly packed

Specifically refers to being filled with people or items, implying limited space.

somewhat occupied

Indicates a state of being partially filled or busy, less intense than "rather full".

reasonably replete

Implies a satisfying level of fullness, often related to food or contentment, more formal.

moderately loaded

Suggests a partial filling, often used for cargo or data.

pretty crammed

Informal, emphasizing a tight and uncomfortable fullness.

largely stocked

Focuses on the abundance of supplies or goods, particularly in a storage context.

well-filled

A more straightforward description of being filled to a satisfactory level.

substantially congested

Describes being heavily blocked or overcrowded, often in traffic or networks.

considerably burdened

Suggests being heavily loaded or burdened, often in a figurative sense.

FAQs

How can I use "rather full" in a sentence?

"Rather full" is used to describe something that is quite filled or occupied. For example, "The glass was "rather full", almost to the brim" or "His schedule is "rather full" this week".

What are some alternatives to "rather full"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "quite complete", "fairly packed", or "somewhat occupied".

Is "rather full" too informal for academic writing?

While generally acceptable, "rather full" might be perceived as informal in some academic contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "substantially occupied" or "well-filled" for a more professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says their hands are "rather full"?

When someone says their hands are ""rather full"", it typically means they are very busy or have a lot of responsibilities. It suggests that they are occupied with current tasks and may not be able to take on more.