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rate
/ɹeɪt/
The term functions as a bridge between mathematical precision and subjective judgment. When used as a noun, it often describes a ratio or a fixed cost, providing a concrete metric for comparison in economic or biological contexts.
When shifted to a verb, the word moves from the objective to the evaluative. It describes the mental process of assigning worth or status, often reflecting a hierarchy of quality or social standing within a specific peer group.
Countable as a specific price or measure.
💬Casual Conversation
Did you check the freelance rate for the designer? We're blowing the budget.
Nah, I'm still vibing on my lunch break. Chill.
Meanings
A measure, quantity, or frequency, typically one measured against some other quantity or measure.
The heart rate of the athlete decreased after the cool-down period.
The amount of money charged for a particular service or product.
The hotel offers a special nightly rate for long-term guests.
Examples
Check the rate of growth on these plants.
God, your heart rate is absolutely insane right now!
The inflation rate is making everything so expensive.
Wait, is the flow rate actually dropping?
We need to increase the rate of production.
What is the standard hourly rate for this job?
I can't believe the rate they charge for parking!
Look, I can offer you a discounted rate today.
Your rate is way too high for this kind of work.
Is there a special rate for students?
How would you rate your current skill level?
I would rate that experience as a total disaster.
Please rate our service on the app!
I don't rate his new book very highly.
Seriously, how do you rate this dress?
He doesn't rate much with the senior partners.
I honestly don't think she rates as a threat.
Does he really rate that highly in the department?
You don't rate as a real competitor to me.
She rates quite highly among the local artists.
Collocations & Compounds
interest rate
the amount charged by a lender to a borrower for the use of assets
The central bank decided to raise the interest rate to combat inflation.
heart rate
the number of times the heart beats per minute
The monitor showed a steady heart rate during the exercise.
exchange rate
the value of one currency for the purpose of conversion to another
Travelers always check the exchange rate before visiting a foreign country.
growth rate
the speed at which a population or economy increases
The company reported a surprising growth rate in the Asian market.
hourly rate
the amount of money paid per hour of work
The freelance consultant charges a high hourly rate for her expertise.
Phrasal Verbs
rate as
to categorize or evaluate someone or something as having a specific quality
The critics rate the performance as a masterpiece of modern theater.
Idioms & Sayings
at a snail's rate
extremely slowly
The project is progressing at a snail's rate due to the lack of funding.
at a rate of
at a specific speed or frequency
The population is growing at a rate of two percent per year.