rather rather /ˈrʌðɝ/

adverb

1. () On the contrary  ( instead , rather )
   on the contrary
    Rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left
   rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left
    He didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter
   he didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter
    Used English terms instead of Latin ones
   used English terms instead of Latin ones
   
2. () To some (great or small) extent  ( kinda [Non-standard] , kind of [Informal] , sort of [Informal] , rather )
   to some (great or small) extent
    It was rather cold
   it was rather cold
    The party was rather nice
   the party was rather nice
    The knife is rather dull
   the knife is rather dull
    I rather regret that I cannot attend
   I rather regret that I cannot attend
    He's rather good at playing the cello
   He's rather good at playing the cello
    He is kind of shy
   he is kind of shy
   
3. () More readily or willingly  ( sooner , preferably , rather )
   more readily or willingly
    Clean it well, preferably with warm water
   clean it well, preferably with warm water
    I'd rather be in Philadelphia
   I'd rather be in Philadelphia
    I'd sooner die than give up
   I'd sooner die than give up
   
4. To a degree (not used with a negative)  ( rather , quite )
   to a degree (not used with a negative)
    Quite tasty
   quite tasty
    Quite soon
   quite soon
    Quite ill
   quite ill
    Quite rich
   quite rich