rate

²rate

noun

Definition of RATE

1

a : reckoned value : valuation b obsolete : estimation

2

obsolete : a fixed quantity

3

a : a fixed ratio between two things b : a charge, payment, or price fixed according to a ratio, scale, or standard: as (1) : a charge per unit of a public-service commodity (2) : a charge per unit of freight or passenger service (3) : a unit charge or ratio used in assessing property taxes (4) British : a local tax

4

a : a quantity, amount, or degree of something measured per unit of something else <her typing rate was 80 words per minute> b : an amount of payment or charge based on another amount; specifically : the amount of premium per unit of insurance

5

: relative condition or quality : class

— at any rate

: in any case : anyway

Examples of RATE

1. The cold weather meant a slower growing rate for many crops.
2. At the rate we're moving, it will be morning before we arrive.
3. People work at different rates.
4. Gun violence is increasing at an alarming rate.
5. Snow was falling at a rate of three inches per hour.
6. There has been a fall in the rate of inflation.
7. Crime rates have declined in recent years.
8. What's the interest rate on the loan?
9. Regular admission to the theater is $12, the student rate is $8, and the rate for senior citizens is $6.

Origin of RATE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin rata, from Latin (pro) rata (parte) according to a fixed proportion

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to RATE

Synonyms: caliber (or calibre), class, grade, quality

Related Words: hallmark; mark; footing, place, position, rank, standing, stature, status; benchmark, criterion, measure, par, standard, touchstone, yardstick

Near Antonyms: disproportion

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