Whether
Part of speech: conjunction
Definition: Used to introduce an interrogative content clause (indirect question) that consists of multiple alternative possibilities, and indicate uncertainty between them; if. Used to introduce a yes-or-no interrogative content clause (indirect question) that consists of a single possibility, and indicate uncertainty over it; if, whether or not. Used to introduce multiple alternative possibilities, and indicate the irrelevance of which is the case; regardless of whether, no matter whether.
Example sentence: There is no life to be found in violence. Every act of violence brings us closer to death. Whether it's the mundane violence we do to our bodies by overeating toxic food or drink or the extreme violence of child abuse, domestic warfare, life-threatening poverty, addiction, or state terrorism.
Rather
Part of speech: adverb
Definition: More quickly; sooner, earlier.Used to specify a choice or preference; preferably.Used to introduce a contradiction; on the contrary.to introduce a qualification or clarification; more precisely. (Now usually preceded by or.)Somewhat, fairly.