(1):
(a.) Earlier; sooner; before.
(2):
(a.) More readily or willingly; preferably.
(3):
(a.) On the other hand; to the contrary of what was said or suggested; instead.
(4):
(a.) Of two alternatives conceived of, this by preference to, or as more likely than, the other; somewhat.
(5):
(a.) More properly; more correctly speaking.
(6):
(a.) In some degree; somewhat; as, the day is rather warm; the house is rather damp.
(7):
(a.) Prior; earlier; former.