raither

Adverb

rather (not comparable)

1. 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.

   Synonyms:

   sooner, liefer

2. (conjunctive) Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.
   • It wasn't supposed to be popular; rather, it was supposed to get the job done.
3. (conjunctive) 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.1897 October 16, Henry James, chapter IX, in What Maisie Knew, Chicago, Ill.; New York, N.Y.: Herbert S. Stone & Co., →OCLC, page 94
4. (degree) Somewhat, quite; to an unexpected degree.
   • It's been rather/quite a good meal overall, but this melon is rather too tasteless.

   Synonyms:

   somewhat, fairly, actually, unexpectedly

   Antonyms:

   utterly

5. (obsolete) 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.1683, John Dryden, transl., Plutarch's Lives: Life of Pompey, translation of original by Plutarch

   Synonyms:

   sooner, earlier

See all 10 meanings of rather