Définitions
1.AdverbUsed to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than) .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}"I'd rather not have spent all the money, but it really was an emergency.; I would like this one rather than the other one.; I s'pose we'd better clean the kitchen, but we had much rather not do anything right now.; Tomorrow's impossible. We'd rather you came next weekend.; They'd rather've spent the money on a holiday."
2.AdverbUsed to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary."It wasn't supposed to be popular; rather, it was supposed to get the job done.; She didn't go along, but rather went home instead."
3.AdverbIntroducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)"I didn't want to leave. Or rather I did, just not alone."
4.AdverbSomewhat, quite; to an unexpected degree."It's been rather/quite a good meal overall, but this melon is rather too tasteless.; We had some rather worse news today.; We’ll be seeing rather a lot of you over the next few days.; I'd rather like a cup of tea. - Oh, would you? I'd rather have a mug of beer."
5.AdverbMore quickly.
6.AdjectivePrior; earlier; former.
7.InterjectionAn enthusiastic affirmation."Would you like some? –Rather!"
8.NounA choice or a preference.
9.VerbTo prefer; to prefer to."You'd rather us be dead."