What is the meaning of rather?

adverb

• 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"
  • synonyms: instead
• 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"
  • synonyms: kind of, kinda, sort of
• 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"
  • synonyms: preferably, sooner
• To a degree (not used with a negative. )
  • usage: "quite tasty"; "quite soon"; "quite ill"; "quite rich"
  • synonyms: quite