To prefer; to prefer to.
Prior; earlier; former.
More quickly; sooner, earlier.
Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)
I'd like this one rather than the other one.
Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.
It wasn't supposed to be popular; rather, it was supposed to get the job done.
Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)
I didn't want to leave. Or rather I did, just not alone.
(degree) Somewhat, fairly.
This melon is rather tasteless, especially compared to the one we had last time.
An enthusiastic affirmation.
"Would you like some?" -- "Rather!"