rate
UK: reɪt | US: reɪt
n. a measure, quantity, or frequency expressed as a proportion or ratio
n. the speed at which something occurs or changes
vt. to assign a value or rank to something
vt. to consider or regard in a specified way
The word "rate" traces back to the Latin rata (as in pro rata, meaning "according to the calculated share"), derived from ratus, the past participle of reri ("to reckon, think"). It entered Middle English via Old French rate ("price, value"), retaining its core idea of calculation or proportion. Over time, it expanded to include concepts of speed (e.g., "heart rate") and evaluation (e.g., "to rate highly"). The morpheme rat preserves the original Latin root's meaning of calculation, while the silent -e acts as a neutral suffix.
The unemployment rate has dropped significantly this year.
She rated the movie 5 stars for its brilliant storytelling.
The car was traveling at a high rate of speed.
How would you rate your experience with our service?
The exchange rate between dollars and euros fluctuates daily.