rather

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.

I would like this one rather than the other one.

Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.

It wasn't supposed to be popular; rather, it was supposed to get the job done.

She didn't go along, but rather went home instead.

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.

1898, J. A. Hamilton, "Stanley, Edward George Geoffrey Smith", in Sidney Lee (Ed.), Dictionary of National Biography, Volume LIV: Stanhope–Stovin, The MacMillan Company, page 60, His ‘Iliad’ is spirited and polished, and, though often rather a paraphrase than a translation, is always more truly poetic than most of the best translations.

Somewhat, quite; to an unexpected degree.

It's been rather/quite a good meal overall, but this melon is rather too tasteless.

We had some rather worse news today.

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.

Prior; earlier; former.

Now no man dwelleth at the rather town of Damietta.

An enthusiastic affirmation.

Would you like some? –Rather!

"Do you mean to say, young man," she said frostily, "that you expect me to drink this stuff?" ¶ "Rather! Bucks you up, you know."