pro rata

adverb

pro ra·​ta (ˌ)prō-ˈrā-tə  -ˈrä-  -ˈra- 

: proportionately according to an exactly calculable factor (such as share or liability)

pro rata adjective

Did you know?

The Latin phrase prō ratā, meaning "in proportion," is a shortening of prō ratā parte/portiōne, meaning "according to the fixed proportion." English users borrowed the shorter phrase in the 16th century, dropping the diacritics along the way, and began applying the term in contexts formal enough that Latin doesn't seem too out of place: in finance and law. There pro rata refers to distributing or allocating a quantity proportionately—for example, dividing up an annual interest rate pro rata into monthly rates; distributing pro rata a profit amongst shareholders; paying part-time employees pro rata (according to full-time pay); or allocating liability for a defective product pro rata. In the early 19th century, pro rata demonstrated its usefulness as an adjective, as in "a pro rata share" or "pro rata distribution." The verb prorate (based on pro rata) followed soon thereafter. Incidentally, the familiar noun and verb rate (as in "tax rates" and "rating on a scale of 1 to 5") also trace back to Latin prō ratā parte, but they entered the language back in the 15th century by way of Anglo-French.

Examples of pro rata in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If approved by the court — a hearing date has been set for Aug. 15 — net proceeds from the settlement will be distributed on a pro rata basis to each member of the settlement class. —Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025

And Buchanan must reimburse Kohl’s for a pro rata portion of his signing incentive in the amount of $2.5 million. —David Moin, Footwear News, 29 May 2025

The amount available will increase or decrease pro rata depending on the total number of valid claims submitted, and Siri devices claimed. —Kate O'Flaherty, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Effective January 1, 2026, employees with service award dates later than Dec. 31, 2001, would no longer be eligible for pro rata vacation pay upon termination. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 7 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1575, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pro rata

• beata
• schemata
• atta
• batta
• matta
• strata

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Kids Definition

pro rata

adverb

pro ra·​ta (ˈ)prō-ˈrāt-ə  -ˈrät-ə 

: in proportion to the share of each : proportionately

pro rata adjective

Legal Definition

pro rata

adverb

pro ra·​ta ˌprō-ˈrā-tə, -ˈrä-, -ˈra- 

: proportionately according to an exactly calculable factor (as share or liability)

pro rata adjective

Etymology

Latin