Meaning & Definition of Rate in English

1. A magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit

• "They traveled at a rate of 55 miles per hour"

• "The rate of change was faster than expected"

2. Amount of a charge or payment relative to some basis

• "A 10-minute phone call at that rate would cost $5"

3. The relative speed of progress or change

• "He lived at a fast pace"

• "He works at a great rate"

• "The pace of events accelerated"

4. A quantity or amount or measure considered as a proportion of another quantity or amount or measure

• "The literacy rate"

• "The retention rate"

• "The dropout rate"

1. Assign a rank or rating to

• "How would you rank these students?"

• "The restaurant is rated highly in the food guide"

2. Be worthy of or have a certain rating

• "This bond rates highly"

3. Estimate the value of

• "How would you rate his chances to become president?"

• "Gold was rated highly among the romans"