Main entry: kind of, kinda, sort of, rather
Definition: to some (great or small) extent
Usage: it was rather cold; the party was rather nice; the knife is rather dull; I rather regret that I cannot attend; He's rather good at playing the cello; he is kind of shy
Definition: to a degree (not used with a negative)
Usage: quite tasty; quite soon; quite ill; quite rich
Definition: on the contrary
Usage: rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left; he didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter; used English terms instead of Latin ones
Main entry: rather, preferably, sooner
Definition: more readily or willingly
Usage: clean it well, preferably with warm water; I'd rather be in Philadelphia; I'd sooner die than give up