A2noun1K

Rate

UK /["/reɪt/"]/US /["/reɪt/"]/

Definition

a measurement of the speed at which something happens

In simple words: How much something is valued or measured.

Examples

  • The teacher gave each student a rate based on their performance in class.
  • Can you tell me the rate of exchange for euros to dollars?
  • She received a high rate of interest on her savings account.
  • The movie received a low rate, disappointing its producers.
  • The company's customer service receives a high rate from its users.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Appropriate for discussing evaluations, scores, and comparisons. Avoid using it in contexts that require more emotional nuance.

Grammar pattern

rate + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'rate' like a price tag — it shows what something is worth.

Collocations

  • constant
  • expected
  • regular
  • accelerate
  • improve
  • increase
  • be up
  • go up
  • shoot up
  • at a/​the rate
  • rate of
  • rate per
  • constant
  • expected
  • regular
  • accelerate
  • improve
  • increase
  • be up
  • go up
  • shoot up
  • at a/​the rate
  • rate of
  • rate per
  • cheap
  • competitive
  • low
  • determine
  • fix
  • peg
  • climb
  • go up
  • increase
  • at a/​the rate
  • rate for
  • rate of
  • a drop in rates
  • a rise in rates
  • a rate of return
  • cheap
  • competitive
  • low
  • determine
  • fix
  • peg
  • climb
  • go up
  • increase
  • at a/​the rate
  • rate for
  • rate of
  • a drop in rates
  • a rise in rates
  • a rate of return

Synonyms

  • evaluate
  • assess
  • score
  • grade
  • value

Antonyms

  • disrate
  • devalue

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'rate' vs 'rate of' - 'rate of' implies a measurement over time.
  • Using 'rated' when 'rate' is required - 'I rate this movie' not 'I rated this movie for now.'
  • Mixing up with 'ratio' - 'rate' refers to the value assessment.