What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
speed
Example
The car was traveling at a high speed on the highway. [speed: noun]
Example
She increased her typing speed by practicing every day. [speed: noun]
rate
Example
The interest rate on the loan was too high for me to afford. [rate: noun]
Example
The company has been growing at a steady rate for the past few years. [rate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rate is more commonly used than speed in everyday language. Rate is a versatile term that can be applied to a wide range of contexts, while speed is more specific and often associated with physical movement or motion.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between speed and rate?
Both speed and rate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but rate is generally considered more formal due to its use in technical fields such as economics and finance.
