- Used as an adverb (in the same way as "quite")
He worked rather hard today
He worked quite hard today
- Used as an adverb immediately before a verb of thought or feeling, to express an opinion politely (also similar to "quite")
I rather like your hair not dyed all colours of the rainbow.
- Used with would (means “prefer”)
I would rather have some tea. I have already had many cups of coffee today.
- Used as a prepositional phrase to contrast two things or situations (in the same way as "instead of")
The teacher spoke to the entire class rather than to a few individuals about the dangers of using drugs.