rate
UK[reɪt]US[reɪt]
n
a measurement of the speed at which something happens or changes, or the number of times something happens or exists in a particular period
n
a fixed amount of money that is charged or paid for something
v
to judge the value or character of someone or something; to assign a standard or value to
v
to have a particular position on a scale of value, quality, etc.; to be considered as something
Etymology
The word 'rate' entered English in the 15th century from Old French 'rate' ("price, value"), which itself descended from the Medieval Latin 'rata' (as in 'pro rata parte', meaning "according to a calculated share"). This Latin term originates from 'ratus', the past participle of 'reri' ("to reckon, think, judge"). The core semantic thread from its Proto-Indo-European root, likely reh₁- ("to reason, count"), is the concept of calculation and judgment. This foundational idea of a "reckoned or calculated value" logically branched into its modern dual meanings: a measured quantity or speed (a calculated proportion) and a fixed price or charge (a calculated value).
Analysis
The word 'rate' is a simplex word. It is derived from the Latin past participle 'ratus' (meaning "reckoned, calculated, fixed"), which comes from the verb 'reri' ("to think, judge, reckon"). The functional role of the entire word is as a noun or verb directly inherited from this Latin source.
Examples
The city has a high crime rate.
What is the current exchange rate for euros to dollars?
Critics rate this film as one of the best of the decade.