(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.