rates Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun a local tax on property (usually used in the plural)
   
2. noun a magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit
   rate.
   
   • they traveled at a rate of 55 miles per hour
   • the rate of change was faster than expected
3. noun amount of a charge or payment relative to some basis
   rate; charge per unit.
   
   • a 10-minute phone call at that rate would cost $5
4. noun the relative speed of progress or change
   pace; rate.
   
   • he lived at a fast pace
   • he works at a great rate
   • the pace of events accelerated
5. noun a quantity or amount or measure considered as a proportion of another quantity or amount or measure
   rate.
   
   • the literacy rate
   • the retention rate
   • the dropout rate
6. verb assign a rank or rating to
   grade; range; rank; rate; place; order.
   
   • how would you rank these students?
   • The restaurant is rated highly in the food guide
7. verb be worthy of or have a certain rating
   rate.
   
   • This bond rates highly
8. verb estimate the value of
   rate; value.
   
   • How would you rate his chances to become President?
   • Gold was rated highly among the Romans
9. verb desert one's party or group of friends, for example, for one's personal advantage
   rat.
   
10. verb employ scabs or strike breakers in
    rat.
    
11. verb take the place of work of someone on strike
    fink; scab; rat; blackleg.
    
12. verb give (hair) the appearance of being fuller by using a rat
    rat.
    
13. verb catch rats, especially with dogs
    rat.
    
14. verb give away information about somebody
    shop; give away; denounce; tell on; stag; rat; betray; snitch; grass; shit.
    
    • He told on his classmate who had cheated on the exam

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