rate
Looking for the meaning of rate? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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The worth of something; value.
The proportional relationship between one amount, value etc. and another.
“At the height of his powers, he was producing pictures at the rate of four a year.”
Speed.
“The car was speeding down here at a hell of a rate.”
The relative speed of change or progress.
“The rate of production at the factory is skyrocketing.”
The price of (an individual) thing; cost.
“He asked quite a rate to take me to the airport.”
A set price or charge for all examples of a given case, commodity, service etc.
“Postal rates here are low.”
A wage calculated in relation to a unit of time.
“We pay an hourly rate of between $10 – $15 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.”
Any of various taxes, especially those levied by a local authority.
“I hardly have enough left every month to pay the rates.”
A class into which ships were assigned based on condition, size etc.; by extension, rank.
“This textbook is first-rate.”
Established portion or measure; fixed allowance; ration.
Order; arrangement.
Ratification; approval.
The gain or loss of a timepiece in a unit of time.
“daily rate; hourly rate; etc.”
To assign or be assigned a particular rank or level.
“She is rated fourth in the country.”
To evaluate or estimate the value of.
“They rate his talents highly.”
To consider or regard.
“He rated this book brilliant.”
To deserve; to be worth.
“The view here hardly rates a mention in the travel guide.”
To determine the limits of safe functioning for a machine or electrical device.
“The transformer is rated at 10 watts.”
To evaluate a property's value for the purposes of local taxation.
To like; to think highly of.
“The customers don't rate the new burgers.”
To have position (in a certain class).
“He rates as the best cyclist in the country.”
To have value or standing.
“This last performance of hers didn't rate very high with the judges.”
To ratify.
To ascertain the exact rate of the gain or loss of (a chronometer) as compared with true time.
Understanding "rate"
The word **"rate"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/ɹeɪt/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"rate"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "rate" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "rate" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "rate" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /ɹeɪt/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "rate" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "rate" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "rate" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "rate". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/ɹeɪt/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "rate" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use rate in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "rate" can be used in academic and casual conversations.