Meanings of responded rather in English

He said something about the fineness of the day, and Maria responded rather gratefully.

But she said nothing except good-morning, and George responded rather curtly, raising his hat, and stepping forward towards the car.

Phil responded rather reluctantly.

As someone who has responded rather emotionally to attacks on DTC genetics in the past, I confess to some trepidation myself.

When I first spoke on the telephone to Mrs. H., the present occupant of the house, asking permission to visit, she responded rather cordially.

"Then I suppose that you don't agree with him," Maurice responded rather absently.

"If Mrs. Weatherbee can't stop them, we certainly can't," Judith responded rather anxiously.

"In that case," the Woman responded rather grimly, "you will probably be slated for the cemetery instead.

"Pardon my ignorance," I responded rather crestfallen.

"He flung half his army at us," I responded rather sulkily, for one does not like being reminded of a beating.

"You are at liberty to make whatever changes you wish," Mrs. Elwood responded rather stiffly, and without further remark left the room.

"Talk away," I responded rather sullenly, for I expected a long sing-song about my good-for-nothingness in general- asubjectof which I was heartily tired.