Meaning & use

rate

noun·Everyday

A measure, amount, or degree of something calculated in relation to another quantity, often over time.

See it in a sentence

The company raised its hourly rate for new employees this spring.

The population growth rate slowed considerably after the economic downturn.

A note on using this word

Rate frequently pairs with 'at' or 'per,' as in 'at this rate' or 'per hour,' to express comparison.

Words with a similar meaning

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Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. verb

To assess the quality, value, or standard of something, often on a scale.

Critics rated the new film highly for its acting and cinematography.

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