adv. /radh"euhr, rah"dheuhr/ ; interj. /radh"err", rah"dherr"/ , adv.
1. in a measure; to a certain extent; somewhat: rather good.
2. in some degree: I rather thought you would regret it.
3. more properly or justly; with better reason: The contrary is rather to be supposed.
4. sooner; more readily or willingly: to die rather than yield.
5. more properly or correctly speaking; more truly: He is a painter or, rather, a watercolorist.
6. on the contrary: It's not generosity, rather self-interest.
7. had or would rather , to prefer that or to: I had much rather we not stay. We would rather go for dinner after the show.
interj.
8. Chiefly Brit. emphatically yes; assuredly; without doubt: Is the book worth reading?Rather!
[ bef. 900; ME; OE hrathor, comp. of hraeth quick, RATHE ]