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Rate: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "rate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 taxa

🇮🇳 दर

🇩🇪 Rate

🇮🇩 tingkat

🇺🇦 ставка

🇵🇱 stawka

🇯🇵 率 (りつ)

🇫🇷 taux

🇪🇸 tasa

🇹🇷 oran

🇰🇷 율

🇸🇦 معدل

🇨🇿 sazba

🇸🇰 sadzba

🇨🇳 率 (lǜ)

🇸🇮 stopnja

🇮🇸 hlutfall

🇰🇿 мөлшерлеме

🇬🇪 განაკვეთი

🇦🇿 faiz nisbəti

🇲🇽 tasa

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.