1. instead, rather

on the contrary

Example Sentences:
'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'

• instead

2. kind of, kinda, rather, sort of

to some (great or small) extent

Example Sentences:
'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'

• kind of
• kinda
• sort of

3. preferably, rather, sooner

more readily or willingly

Example Sentences:
'clean it well, preferably with warm water'
'I'd rather be in Philadelphia'
'I'd sooner die than give up'

• preferably
• sooner

4. quite, rather

to a degree (not used with a negative)

Example Sentences:
'quite tasty'
'quite soon'
'quite ill'
'quite rich'

• quite