Final answer:
The adverb 'rather' in the provided sentence modifies the adjective 'clever', indicating the degree of cleverness of the remarks.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the given sentence "His rather clever remarks were not appreciated," the word rather is an adverb. It is modifying the adjective clever, indicating the degree to which the remarks were clever. Adverbs can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, adding information related to time, place, reason, or manner. In this case, rather is used to slightly soften or qualify the adjective clever, suggesting that the remarks were clever to some degree but not extremely so.
Complete Question:
His rather clever remarks were not appreciated. What does the adverb rather modify? A verb a adjective or a adverb?