English adverb: rather | |||
| 1. | rather on the contrary | ||
| Samples | 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. | ||
| Synonyms | instead | ||
| 2. | rather to some (great or small) extent | ||
| Samples | 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. | ||
| Synonyms | kind of, kinda, sort of | ||
| 3. | rather more readily or willingly | ||
| Samples | Clean it well, preferably with warm water. I'd rather be in Philadelphia. I'd sooner die than give up. | ||
| Synonyms | preferably, sooner | ||
| 4. | rather to a degree (not used with a negative) | ||
| Samples | Quite tasty. Quite soon. Quite ill. Quite rich. | ||
| Synonyms | quite | ||