Rate | Mean of rate in English Dictionary

/ˈreɪt/

• Noun
• the speed at which something happens over a particular period of time
1. The cold weather meant a slower growing rate for many crops.
2. At the rate we're moving, it will be morning before we arrive.
3. People work at different rates.
4. Gun violence is increasing at an alarming rate.
5. Snow was falling at a rate of three inches per hour.
6. There has been a fall in the rate of inflation.
• the number of times something happens or is done during a particular period of time
1. There is a high success rate for this surgery. [=this surgery is often/usually successful]
2. Economists are concerned about the city's rising unemployment rate. [=the increasing number of people who are unemployed]
3. Crime rates have declined in recent years.
4. The nurse will check your heart/pulse rate. [=the number of times your heart beats in a minute]
• an amount that is paid
1. 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]
2. What's the interest rate on the loan?
3. tax rates
4. Regular admission to the theater is $12, the student rate is $8, and the rate for senior citizens is $6.

• very fast or quickly
1. We were bowling along the motorway at a rate of knots.
• if things continue to happen in the same way they have been happening
1. At this rate, the town's farmland will be gone within 20 years.
• the average or usual price that is charged for something
1. What's the going rate for a new computer?
2. You can hire a babysitter for a going rate of $10/hour.
• Verb
• to make a judgment about the quality, ability, or value of (someone or something)
1. On a scale of 1 to 5, I'd rate the book at/a 4.
2. Judges rated each song according to a number of criteria.
3. The school is rated above average.
4. the highest rated [=ranking] radio show
• to be judged as having a particular level of quality, ability, or value
1. The car rates as one of the best on the market. [=the car is one of the best on the market]
2. The movie rates among the worst ever.
3. The shoes rate high as far as comfort goes, but they're not very stylish.
• to consider something or someone to be (something)
1. The boat is just large enough to be rated a ship.
2. Based on recent polls, the policy should be rated a failure.
• to officially state that a movie, video game, etc., is appropriate for a specific audience
1. The movie is rated G for general audiences.
• to state the normal power or limit of (a machine, engine, etc.)
1. The submarine is rated to withstand tons of pressure.
2. The engine is rated at 500 horsepower.
3. an outlet rated at 15 amps
• to deserve (something) because of being important, good, etc.
1. The new museum rates a visit. [=the new museum is worth visiting]
2. 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]
• to be liked by someone and get special treatment or privileges
1. He really rates with the boss. [=the boss really likes him]
• to think of (someone or something) as being good or of a high quality
1. I don't rate their chances (of winning).
2. They didn't rate him as a player.