noun

1. the amount, degree, etc. of anything in relation to units of something else the rate of pay per month, rate of speed per hour
2. a fixed ratio; proportion
3. a price or value; specif., the cost per unit of some commodity, service, etc. insurance rate
4. speed of movement or action to read at a moderate rate
5. the amount of time gained or lost by a timepiece within a specified period
6. Now Rare a class or rank of the first rate
7. Brit. a local property tax: usually used in pl.
8. Obsolete amount; quantity
9. U.S. Navy the grade of a petty officer within a rating the sailor's rate is Quartermaster first class

Etymology: OFr < L rata (pars), reckoned (part), fem. of ratus, pp. of reri, to reckon < IE *rē-, var. of base *ar-, to fit, join > art, order

transitive verb rated rat′ed, rating rat′·ing

1. to estimate the value, worth, strength, capacity, etc. of; appraise
2. 1. to put into a particular class or rank
   2. U.S. Navy to assign a rate to
3. to consider; esteem they are rated among the best
4. to fix or determine the rates for
5. Informal to deserve to rate an increase

intransitive verb

1. to be classed or ranked
2. to have value, status, or rating

transitive verb, intransitive verb rated rat′ed, rating rat′·ing

Etymology: ME raten < ? OFr reter, to blame, accuse < L reputare, to count: see repute