Meaning Of Rather

a.

Prior; earlier; former.

a.

Earlier; sooner; before.

a.

More readily or willingly; preferably.

a.

On the other hand; to the contrary of what was said or suggested; instead.

a.

Of two alternatives conceived of, this by preference to, or as more likely than, the other; somewhat.

a.

More properly; more correctly speaking.

a.

In some degree; somewhat; as, the day is rather warm; the house is rather damp.