Rather meaning

What does “rather” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“rather” is an adverb with 4 meanings. Its most common meaning is: on the contrary.

rather

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”
Synonymsinstead
to some (great or small) extent
“it was rather cold”
“the party was rather nice”
Synonymskind of kinda sort of
more readily or willingly
“clean it well, preferably with warm water”
“I'd rather be in Philadelphia”
Synonymspreferably sooner
to a degree (not used with a negative)
“quite tasty”
“quite soon”
Synonymsquite

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University