definition of
[rather]

[1] #1 rather r. [instead] on the contrary; "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"; "used English terms instead of Latin ones". wn

[2] #2 rather r. [kind of, kinda, sort of] to some (great or small) extent; "it was rather cold"; "the party was rather nice"; "the knife is rather dull"; "I rather regret that I cannot attend"; "He's rather good at playing the cello"; "he is kind of shy". wn

[3] #3 rather r. [preferably, sooner] more readily or willingly; "clean it well, preferably with warm water"; "I'd rather be in Philadelphia"; "I'd sooner die than give up". wn

[4] #4 rather r. [quite] to a degree (not used with a negative); "quite tasty"; "quite soon"; "quite ill"; "quite rich". wn