1. More readily; preferably: I'd rather go to the movies.
2. With more reason, logic, wisdom, or other justification.
3. More exactly; more accurately: He's my friend, or rather he was my friend.
4. To a certain extent; somewhat: rather cold.
5. On the contrary.
6. (rûr, rä-) Chiefly British Most certainly. Used as an emphatic affirmative reply.