Rate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rate

[reɪt ]

Definitions

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • In finance, 'interest rates' are crucial for determining how much one pays to borrow money.
  • Credit ratings impact loan approvals, with higher ratings leading to lower interest costs.
  • The exchange rate influences international trade, impacting how much currency is worth against another.

Media and Reviews

  • Ratings on platforms like film databases help audiences choose movies based on popularity.
  • Review aggregator sites collect scores from multiple critics to provide an average rating.
  • The practice of rating products helps consumers make informed choices before purchasing.

Science and Research

  • In research, a 'rate' often refers to the frequency of an event per unit of time.
  • The rate of evolution varies among species, highlighting different pathways of adaptation.
  • In public health, infection rates guide policies and public perception of disease spread.

Psychology

  • People tend to rate experiences not only on enjoyment but also on expectations.
  • The 'halo effect' shows that a person's overall impression can influence how they rate specific traits.
  • Surveys often use a Likert scale to rate opinions on a particular topic, aiding psychological studies.

Origin of 'rate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'rata', meaning 'fixed' or 'determined'.
  • Originally used in commerce, it referred to the assessment of a value or price.
  • Its usage evolved in the 14th century, expanding to evaluate quality and performance.

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.