to be rather than to seem to be Raises Big Questions Online - Away State Journal
1. relatively or fairly; somewhat: it's rather dull. 2. to a significant or noticeable extent; quite: she's rather pretty. 3. to a limited extent or degree: I rather thought that was the case. 4. with better or more just cause: this text is rather to be deleted than rewritten.
Both would and had are used with rather in sentences such as I would rather (or had rather) go to the film than to the play. Had rather is less common and is now widely regarded as slightly old-fashioned
Use rather to specify a preference for one thing over another. Wouldn't you rather go to the movies than stay home and clean the house? Rather can also be used to mean "on the contrary," or to introduce a contradiction.
rather /ˈrɑːðə/ adv (in senses 1-4, not used with a negative) relatively or fairly; somewhat: it's rather dull to a significant or noticeable extent; quite: she's rather dull to a limited extent or degree: I rather thought that was the case with better or more just cause: this text is rather to be deleted than rewritten
RATHER - RATHER THAN - WOULD RATHER It is often difficult for learners of English to know when to use 'rather', 'rather than' or 'would rather'. The explanation below should help clarify things.
Rather, Rather than, Would Rather: how and when to use them.| Learn ...
