Rate: meaning, definitions and examples

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rate

 

[ reɪt ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

finance

A measure, quantity, or frequency, typically one measured against some other quantity or measure.

Synonyms

level, percentage, standard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rate

Same as above.

  • The exchange rate between the two currencies is quite favorable.
  • The birth rate in the country has declined.
percentage

Refers to a proportion or share in relation to a whole, often expressed as a fraction of 100.

  • A large percentage of people agree with the new policy.
  • Only a small percentage of the budget is allocated for maintenance.
level

Best used to describe a position or rank in a scale, height in a specific place, or amount of something compared to a plane or standard. It can also refer to emotional or intensity states.

  • The water level in the lake is quite high this year.
  • She reached the next level in the video game.
standard

Used to describe a level of quality, achievement, or criterion that is widely recognized as a model or norm. It can be both positive and neutral.

  • The restaurant maintains very high standards of cleanliness.
  • The car meets all the safety standards required by law.

Examples of usage

  • The interest rates are expected to rise next month.
  • The exchange rate of the dollar against the euro is fluctuating.
Context #2 | Verb

evaluate

Assign a standard or value to (something) according to a particular scale.

Synonyms

assess, evaluate, judge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rate

Used when giving a score or level to something, often in a numerical value. Can be employed in both informal and formal situations.

  • She asked how I'd rate the movie
  • The hotel is rated 5 stars
evaluate

Used when determining the significance, worth, or condition of something, often through detailed analysis. Frequently used in academic, business, and scientific contexts.

  • We need to evaluate the project's impact on the environment
  • The doctor will evaluate your health
assess

Applied when examining something carefully to form an opinion about its value, quality, or importance. Commonly used in academic, professional, and medical contexts.

  • The teacher needs to assess the students' work
  • He assessed the damage to the car
judge

Often used when forming an opinion or conclusion about someone or something, sometimes implying a sense of personal opinion or bias. Can have a negative connotation if perceived as being overly critical.

  • Don't judge a book by its cover
  • The committee will judge the entries in the competition

Examples of usage

  • The professor asked the students to rate the importance of each factor.
  • Customers are encouraged to rate their shopping experience on a scale of 1 to 5.

Translations

Translations of the word "rate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 taxa

🇮🇳 दर

🇩🇪 Rate

🇮🇩 tingkat

🇺🇦 ставка

🇵🇱 stawka

🇯🇵 率 (りつ)

🇫🇷 taux

🇪🇸 tasa

🇹🇷 oran

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 معدل

🇨🇿 sazba

🇸🇰 sadzba

🇨🇳 率 (lǜ)

🇸🇮 stopnja

🇮🇸 hlutfall

🇰🇿 мөлшерлеме

🇬🇪 განაკვეთი

🇦🇿 faiz nisbəti

🇲🇽 tasa

Etymology

The word 'rate' originated from the Latin word 'ratus', meaning 'reckoned or estimated'. Over time, it evolved to represent a measure or evaluation. In the context of finance, 'rate' gained significance as a metric for comparison and assessment. Today, 'rate' is widely used in various fields to indicate a standard or value assigned to something.

See also: berate, overrate, overrated, rated, rates, rating, ratings, underrate, underrated, underrating.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #200, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.