というより (to iu yori): Rather than or more accurately described as
～というより (to iu yori)
Meaning
Rather than; more accurately described as
Formation and usage
A phrase or plain clause + というより, followed by a more accurate description. だ after a noun or na-adjective can be omitted in some contexts.
Explanation
Refine a description by saying the second expression is more accurate than the first. It is not necessarily a comparison of personal preferences. Mushiro can emphasize the revised description.
Examples
彼は静かというより、少し緊張しているようです。
He seems a little nervous rather than simply quiet.
これは失敗というより、よい練習になりました。
This was useful practice rather than a failure.
今日は寒いというより、風が冷たいです。
It is the wind that feels cold today, rather than the weather itself.
あの建物は家というより、小さな城のようです。
That building looks more like a small castle than a house.
今回の旅行は観光というより、家族に会うためでした。
This trip was more about seeing family than sightseeing.
How related patterns differ
と言えば/というと brings up an associated topic. といったら can emphasize an extraordinary degree. といっても qualifies a statement, while というより offers a more accurate description. ということだ reports or summarizes information, unlike evaluative というものだ.