rather (Adverb) — On the contrary. ex. "rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left" ex. "he didn't call; rather, he wrote her a letter"
rather (Adverb) — To some (great or small) extent. ex. "it was rather cold" ex. "the party was rather nice" ex. "the knife is rather dull" ex. "I rather regret that I cannot attend" ex. "He's rather good at playing the cello"
rather (Adverb) — In a preferred way. ex. "I'd rather be in Philadelphia"
rather (Adverb) — To a degree (not used with a negative). ex. "rather tasty"