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Rather

Rather is an adverb of degree. Its meaning is similar to fairly and quite.

She is rather tall.
The interview was rather tough.

With adjectives and adverbs, rather suggests ‘more than is usual’ ‘more than was expected’ and similar ideas.

I speak French rather well.
It is rather warm in here. Let’s open the window.

Rather can modify comparatives and too.

It is rather later than I thought.
He talks rather too much.

With nouns

Rather can modify noun phrases, with or without adjectives. It generally comes before articles, but can also come after a/an if there is an adjective.

He is rather a fool. (NOT He is a rather fool.)
It was a rather good idea. (OR It was rather a good idea.)
She is rather a successful actor. (OR She is a rather successful actor.)

Rather is not normally used before a plural noun with no adjective.

With verbs

Rather can modify verbs.

She rather enjoys doing nothing.
I rather think we are going to lose.

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