First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1rate
verb \ˈrāt\
rat·edrat·ing
Definition of RATE
transitive verb
1
: to rebuke angrily or violently
2
obsolete : to drive away by scolding
intransitive verb
: to voice angry reprimands
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Origin of RATE
Middle English
2rate
noun
: the speed at which something happens over a particular period of time
: the number of times something happens or is done during a particular period of time
: an amount that is paid : a price or amount to be paid that is set according to a scale or standard
Full Definition of RATE
1
a : reckoned value : valuation b obsolete : estimation
2
obsolete : a fixed quantity
3
a : a fixed ratio between two things b : a charge, payment, or price fixed according to a ratio, scale, or standard: as (1) : a charge per unit of a public-service commodity (2) : a charge per unit of freight or passenger service (3) : a unit charge or ratio used in assessing property taxes (4) British : a local tax
4
a : a quantity, amount, or degree of something measured per unit of something else <her typing rate was 80 words per minute> b : an amount of payment or charge based on another amount; specifically : the amount of premium per unit of insurance
See rate defined for English-language learners
Origin of RATE
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin rata, from Latin (pro) rata (parte) according to a fixed proportion
First Known Use: 15th century
3rate
verb
rat·edrat·ing
Definition of RATE
transitive verb
1
obsolete : allot
2
4
: to fix the amount of premium to be charged per unit of insurance on
5
: to have a right to : deserve <she rated special privileges>
intransitive verb
: to enjoy a status of special privilege <really rates with the boss>
First Known Use of RATE
15th century
Synonym Discussion of RATE
estimate, appraise, evaluate, value, rate, assess mean to judge something with respect to its worth or significance. estimate implies a judgment, considered or casual, that precedes or takes the place of actual measuring or counting or testing out <estimated the crowd at two hundred>. appraise commonly implies the fixing by an expert of the monetary worth of a thing, but it may be used of any critical judgment <having their house appraised>. evaluate suggests an attempt to determine relative or intrinsic worth in terms other than monetary <evaluate a student's work>. value equals appraise but without implying expertness of judgment <a watercolor valued by the donor at $500>. rate adds to estimate the notion of placing a thing according to a scale of values <a highly rated restaurant>. assess implies a critical appraisal for the purpose of understanding or interpreting, or as a guide in taking action <officials are trying to assess the damage>.
RATED Defined for Kids
1rate
noun \ˈrāt\
Definition of RATE for Kids
1
: a price or charge set according to a scale or standard <hotel rates>
2
: the amount of something measured in units of something else or in comparison with others <I can walk at a rate of four miles per hour.>
— at any rate
: in any case <Maybe it's not ten miles, but at any rate it's far.>
2rate
verb
rat·edrat·ing
Definition of RATE for Kids
1
: to be placed in comparison with others : rank <Our school rates high in math scores.>
3
: to have a right to : deserve <He rates a promotion.>
Medical Dictionary
rate
noun \ˈrāt\
Medical Definition of RATE
1
: a fixed ratio between two things
2
: a quantity, amount, or degree of something measured per unit of something else—see death rate, heart rate, metabolic rate, pulse rate, sedimentation rate
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