Back to Report
rate · noun C /reɪt/Full view
Nouns: rate, rating
Adjectives: overrated, underrated
Verbs: rate, underrate
rate (HOW MANY)
B2 how often something happens, or how many people something happens to
Dictionary examples:

the rate of unemployment

The birth rate has fallen.

The drug has a high success/failure rate.

Learner example:

The topic[s] we have in mind are - why people commit a crime, why the crime rate has risen in Britain, [and] of course [some discussion] about your latest novel. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

rate (PAYMENT)
B2 a fixed amount of money given for something
Dictionary examples:

the interest rate

Rates of pay are very low.

Learner example:

I think it would be a good thing to help the [restaurant] by either giving them a subsidy or lending [them] money at a low rate. (First Certificate in English; B2; French)

rate (SPEED)
C1 the speed at which something happens
Dictionary examples:

the patient's heart rate

Our rate of progress is too slow.

The disease was spreading at an alarming rate.

Learner example:

The actual rate of our company's growth demands increasing quality and productivity. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)

first-/second-/third-rate
C1 very good, bad, or very bad
Dictionary example:

a first-rate hotel

Learner example:

For example, our town is famous for its first-rate tennis team, so he could continue his training in tennis here and also do other sports like volleyball and baseketball. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

at this rate
C2 used before saying what will happen if a situation continues in the same way
Dictionary example:

At this rate we're not going to be there till midnight.

at any rate
C2 used before saying one fact that is certain in a situation that you are generally not certain about
Dictionary example:

Well, at any rate we need her to be there.

Learner example:

Nevertheless, at any rate, we would like to see a society with [a] full and strong workforce working towards stronger economic power. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Chinese)

rate · verb T /reɪt/
Nouns: rate, rating
Adjectives: overrated, underrated
Verbs: rate, underrate
rate
C1 to judge the quality or ability of someone or something
Dictionary example:

How do you rate her as a singer?

Learner example:

We [did] a survey among our members that rated value for money, cost, staff, and the like. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; German)

Cambridge logo