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.

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.

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

Quite tasty.
Quite soon.
Quite ill.
Quite rich.