rather

/ˈra-t͟hər/

Middle English, from Old English hrathor, comparative of hrathe quickly; akin to Old High German rado quickly, Old English hræd quick

adverb

  1. with better reason or more propriety : more, properly

  2. more readily or willingly : preferably —often used interjectionally to express affirmation

  3. more correctly speaking

this you should pity rather than despise

conjunction

  1. —used with the infinitive form of a verb to indicate negation as a contrary choice or wish

  2. and not

preposition

  1. instead of

rather than being pleased, she was angry