Sooner (as a matter of choice); more readily or willingly; with greater liking or goodwill; in… Without than, in contrast to a preceding (sometimes…

More; rather.

More readily, more willingly; rather.

Sooner, rather, in preference; also with than.

More readily as a matter of choice; preferably, rather. (I'd) sooner (it should be) you than me, and variants cf. rather, adv. 8g.

Soonest, most readily. Also the rathest. Obsolete.

Sooner (as a matter of choice); more readily or willingly; with greater liking or goodwill; in preference. would rather: would rather have or choose.

In preference to something else; rather, sooner (than do something specified or implied, or allow it to be done).

In a preferable manner; in preference. Frequently with to. Now rare.

by choice, in preference.

Preferably, in preference to. Obsolete.

= rather, adv.