ratheradverbmore than a little but not verysame meaningquite: We were rather tired after our long journey. It's rather a small room.speakingIf you use rather with a positive word, it sounds as if you are surprised and pleased: • The new teacher is rather nice.rather thanin the place of; instead of: Could I have tea rather than coffee?would ratherwould prefer to do something: I'd rather go by train than by bus.