What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rate
Example
The interest rate on my savings account is very low. [rate: noun]
Example
The company is growing at a steady rate. [rate: noun]
Example
She is typing at a rate of 80 words per minute. [rate: preposition]
velocity
Example
The velocity of the car was 60 miles per hour. [velocity: noun]
Example
The rocket's velocity increased as it left the Earth's atmosphere. [velocity: noun]
Example
The ball was thrown with a velocity of 50 miles per hour. [velocity: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rate is more commonly used than velocity in everyday language. Rate is a versatile term that can be used in a variety of contexts, while velocity is more specialized and is primarily used in scientific and technical fields.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between rate and velocity?
Velocity is generally considered more formal than rate. It is often used in scientific and technical writing, while rate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
