plural
rates
plural
rates
Britannica Dictionary definition of RATE
[count]
1
:
the speed at which something happens over a particular period of time
-
The cold weather meant a slower growing rate for many crops.
-
At the rate we're moving, it will be morning before we arrive.
-
People work at different rates.
-
Gun violence is increasing at an alarming rate.
-
Snow was falling at a rate of three inches per hour.
-
There has been a fall in the rate of inflation.
2
:
the number of times something happens or is done during a particular period of time
-
There is a high success rate for this surgery. [=this surgery is often/usually successful]
-
Economists are concerned about the city's rising unemployment rate. [=the increasing number of people who are unemployed]
-
Crime rates have declined in recent years.
-
The nurse will check your heart/pulse rate. [=the number of times your heart beats in a minute]
—
see also birthrate, death rate
3
:
an amount that is paid
:
a price or amount to be paid that is set according to a scale or standard
-
The hotel's rates start at $65/night. [=the least expensive rooms at the hotel cost $65 for one night's stay and other rooms cost more than $65]
-
What's the interest rate on the loan?
-
tax rates
-
Regular admission to the theater is $12, the student rate is $8, and the rate for senior citizens is $6.
—
see also exchange rate, prime rate
at any rate
—
used to indicate that something is true or certain regardless of what else has happened or been said
-
This restaurant has the best food—or at any rate, the best pasta dishes—in the city.
-
At any rate [=in any case], cooking with fresh ingredients makes everything taste better.
-
It is possible that she was nervous. At any rate, her singing was still good.
at a rate of knots
British, informal
at this/that rate
:
if things continue to happen in the same way they have been happening
going rate
:
the average or usual price that is charged for something
2
rate
/ˈreɪt/
verb
rates;
rated;
rating
rates;
rated;
rating
Britannica Dictionary definition of RATE
1
a
[+ object]
:
to make a judgment about the quality, ability, or value of (someone or something)
-
On a scale of 1 to 5, I'd rate the book at/a 4.
-
Judges rated each song according to a number of criteria.
—
often used as (be) rated
—
see also overrate, underrate
b
[no object]
:
to be judged as having a particular level of quality, ability, or value
-
The car rates as one of the best on the market. [=the car is one of the best on the market]
-
The movie rates among the worst ever.
-
The shoes rate high as far as comfort goes, but they're not very stylish.
2
[+ object]
:
to consider something or someone to be (something)
-
The boat is just large enough to be rated a ship.
-
Based on recent polls, the policy should be rated a failure.
3
[+ object]
:
to officially state that a movie, video game, etc., is appropriate for a specific audience
—
usually used as (be) rated
4
[+ object]
:
to state the normal power or limit of (a machine, engine, etc.)
—
usually used as (be) rated
—
usually + at
5
[+ object]
:
to deserve (something) because of being important, good, etc.
-
The new museum rates a visit. [=the new museum is worth visiting]
-
I don't understand why the ceremony didn't even rate [=merit] a mention in the newspaper. [=I don't understand why the ceremony wasn't mentioned in the newspaper]
6
[no object]
US, informal
:
to be liked by someone and get special treatment or privileges
—
usually + with
7
[+ object]
British, informal
:
to think of (someone or something) as being good or of a high quality
:
like