1 used to mean 'fairly' or 'to some degree', often when you are expressing slight criticism, disappointment or surprise:
The instructions were rather complicated. * She fell and hurt her leg rather badly. * I didn't fail the exam; in fact I did rather well! * It was a rather difficult question. * It was rather a difficult question. * He looks rather like his father. * The patient has responded to the treatment rather better than expected. * He was conscious that he was talking rather too much. -< QUITE
2 used with a verb to make a statement sound less strong:
I rather suspect we're making a mistake. * We were rather hoping you'd be able to do it by Friday.
3 used to correct sth you have said, or to give more accurate information:
She worked as a secretary, or rather, a personal assistant. * In the end he had to walk-or rather run-to the office.
4 used to introduce an idea that is different or opposite to the idea that you have stated previously:
The walls were not white, but rather a sort of dirty grey.
IDIOMS
rather you, him, etc. than me (informal) used for saying that you would not like to do sth that another person is going to do:
'I'm going climbing tomorrow.' 'Rather you than me!'
rather than instead of sb/sth:
I think I'll have a cold drink rather than coffee. * Why didn't you ask for help, rather than trying to do it on your own?
would rather...(than) (usually shortened to 'd rather) would prefer to:
She'd rather die than give a speech. * 'Do you want to come with us?' 'No, I'd rather not.' * Would you rather walk or take the bus? * 'Do you mind if I smoke?' 'Well, I'd rather you didn't.'
exclamation /; also speakerra:3:(r)/ (old-fashioned, BrE) used to agree with sb's suggestion:
'How about a trip to the beach?' 'Rather!'
