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rate

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The definition of a rate is a quantity measured and compared to another quantity measured (such as a number of miles per hour) or is the cost of something.

(noun)

An example of a rate is being paid $10 per hour.
An example of a rate is the price of gas.

Rate is defined as to judge or estimate the value of something.

(verb)

An example of to rate is to assign scores in a singing competition.

See rate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

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

Origin: 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, rating

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

intransitive verb

to be classed or ranked
to have value, status, or rating

transitive verb, intransitive verb rated, rating

to scold severely; chide

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

See rate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A quantity measured with respect to another measured quantity: a rate of speed of 60 miles an hour.
A measure of a part with respect to a whole; a proportion: the mortality rate; a tax rate.
The cost per unit of a commodity or service: postal rates.
A charge or payment calculated in relation to a particular sum or quantity: interest rates.
Level of quality.
Chiefly British A locally assessed property tax. Often used in the plural.

verb rat·ed, rat·ing, rates

verb, transitive

To calculate the value of; appraise. See Synonyms at estimate.
To place in a particular rank or grade.
To regard or account: rated the movie excellent.
To value for purposes of taxation.
To set a rate for (goods to be shipped).
To specify the performance limits of (a machine, for example): This fuse is rated at 50 amperes.
Informal To merit or deserve: people that rate special treatment. See Synonyms at earn¹.