Example : Rather than disappoint the children, he did two quick tricks before he left.
He didn't call; rather (or instead), he wrote her a letter.
Used English terms instead of Latin ones.

Synonyms : instead

Example : It was rather cold.
The party was rather nice.
The knife is rather dull.
I rather regret that I cannot attend.
He's rather good at playing the cello.
He is kind of shy.

Synonyms : kind of, kinda, sort of

Example : Clean it well, preferably with warm water.
I'd rather be in Philadelphia.
I'd sooner die than give up.

Synonyms : preferably, sooner

Example : Quite tasty.
Quite soon.
Quite ill.
Quite rich.

Synonyms : quite