verb

1. To prefer; to prefer to.

adjective

1. Prior; earlier; former.

adverb

1. More quickly; sooner, earlier.

2. Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than)

   “I'd like this one rather than the other one.”

3. Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.

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

Synonyms: as lief, liefer, liever, fairly, quite, somewhat

interjection

1. An enthusiastic affirmation.

   “"Would you like some?" -- "Rather!"”