rather

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   to some (great or small) extent

   it was rather cold

2. 2
   adv

   on the contrary

   Rather than disappoint the children, they did two quick tricks before they left.

3. 3
   adv

   Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)

   I'd rather not have spent all the money, but it really was an emergency.

4. 4
   adv

   Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.

   It wasn't supposed to be popular; rather, it was supposed to get the job done.

5. 5
   adv

   Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)

   What the pupil already knew was indeed rather taken for granted than expressed, but it performed the useful function of transcending all textbooks, and supplanting all studies.

6. 6
   adv

   Somewhat, quite; to an unexpected degree.

   It's been rather/quite a good meal overall, but this melon is rather too tasteless.

7. 7
   adv

   More quickly.

   Pompey, being elated and filled with confidence by this victory, made all haste to engage Sertorius himself, and the rather lest Metellus should come in for a share in the honour of the victory.

8. 8
   adj

   Prior; earlier; former.

   Now no man dwelleth at the rather town of Damietta.

Etymology

From Middle English rather, from Old English hraþor, comparative of hraþe (“soon, early, fast”). More at rathe. Cognate with Dutch radder (“faster”), comparative of Dutch rad (“fast; quick”), German Low German radd, ratt (“rashly; quickly; hastily”), German gerade (“even; straight; direct”). By surface analysis, rathe + -er.