a measure, quantity, or frequency, typically one measured against some other quantity or measure, the speed with which something moves, happens, or changes, a fixed price paid or charged for something, especially goods or services

to rate someone/something highly, to be on a go-slow (rate), to be rated X/18+

at any rate, rate of exchange, rate of return

Formal and Informal Expressions of rate

In different contexts, you can replace 'rate' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'cost, charge' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'price, fee' is a commonplace synonym.

rate: Explore its Definition & Usage

rate Definition

1a measure, quantity, or frequency, typically one measured against some other quantity or measure
2the speed with which something moves, happens, or changes
3a fixed price paid or charged for something, especially goods or services

Using rate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The crime rate in the city has increased.
Example
The interest rate on my savings account is very low.
Example
The exchange rate between the US dollar and the euro is favorable.
Example
I can't keep up with the rate at which he talks.
Example
The hotel offers a special rate for long-term guests.

rate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for rate

Antonyms for rate

Idioms Using rate

to rate someone/something highly
to have a high opinion of someone or something
Example
I really rate this restaurant - the food is always excellent.
to be on a go-slow (rate)
to work more slowly than usual as a form of protest or industrial action
Example
The workers are on a go-slow rate, so the production line is moving very slowly.
to be rated X/18+
to be classified as suitable only for adults because of its sexual or violent content
Example
This movie is rated X/18+ and is not suitable for children.

Phrases with rate

at any rate
used to indicate that a statement is true or accurate even if other things are not
Example
At any rate, we know that the project will be completed on time.
rate of exchange
the value of one currency for the purpose of conversion to another
Example
The rate of exchange between the US dollar and the Japanese yen is constantly fluctuating.
rate of return
the amount of profit or loss an investment generates over time, expressed as a percentage of the initial investment
Example
The rate of return on this investment is quite high, making it a good choice for long-term investors.

Origins of rate

from Old French 'rate', meaning 'price, value'

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Summary: rate in Brief

The term 'rate' [reɪt] refers to a measure, quantity, or frequency, often compared to another. It can denote the speed of something, as in 'I can't keep up with the rate at which he talks,' or a fixed price, as in 'The hotel offers a special rate for long-term guests.' 'Rate' extends into phrases like 'at any rate,' and idioms like 'to rate someone/something highly,' denoting a high opinion, and 'to be on a go-slow (rate),' implying a work slowdown.