WordWeb Online

1. On the contrary
   "rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left"; "he didn't call; rather, he wrote her a letter"
   - instead
    
2. To some (great or small) extent
   "it was rather cold"; "the party was rather nice"; "the knife is rather dull"; "I rather regret that I cannot attend"; "He's rather good at playing the cello"
   - kind of, kinda [non-standard], sort of
    
3. More readily or willingly
   "I'd rather be in Philadelphia"
   - preferably, sooner
    
4. To a degree (not used with a negative)
   - quite

Encyclopedia: Rather