adverb Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than) .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
I'd rather not have spent all the money, but it really was an emergency.
adverb Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.
It wasn't supposed to be popular; rather, it was supposed to get the job done.
adverb 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.
adverb Somewhat, quite; to an unexpected degree.
It's been rather/quite a good meal overall, but this melon is rather too tasteless.