rather vs though

rather

adv
  • Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary. 

  • Somewhat, fairly. 

  • Introducing a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.) 

  • Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably, in preference to. (Now usually followed by than) 

verb
  • To prefer; to prefer to. 

though

adv
  • Used to intensify statements or questions; indeed. 

  • Despite that; however. 

conj
  • Despite the fact that; although. 

How often have the words rather and though occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )