Read the dictionary definition of rather. All definitions for this word.
1. to some (great or small) extent
1. it was rather cold
2. the party was rather nice
3. the knife is rather dull
4. I rather regret that I cannot attend
5. He's rather good at playing the cello
6. he is kind of shy
2. to a degree (not used with a negative)
1. quite tasty
2. quite soon
3. quite ill
4. quite rich
3. on the contrary
1. rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left
2. he didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter
3. used English terms instead of Latin ones
4. more readily or willingly
1. clean it well, preferably with warm water
2. I'd rather be in Philadelphia
3. I'd sooner die than give up
