n. & v.
n. 1 a stated numerical proportion between two sets of things (the second usu. expressed as unity), esp. as a measure of amount or degree (moving at a rate of 50 miles per hour) or as the basis of calculating an amount or value (rate of taxation). 2 a fixed or appropriate charge or cost or value; a measure of this (postal rates; the rate for the job). 3 rapidity of movement or change (travelling at a great rate; prices increasing at a dreadful rate). 4 class or rank (first-rate). 5 Brit. a an assessment levied by local authorities at so much per pound of the assessed value of buildings and land owned or leased. b (in pl.) the amount payable by this.
v. 1 tr. a estimate the worth or value of (I do not rate him very highly). b assign a fixed value to (a coin or metal) in relation to a monetary standard. c assign a value to (work, the power of a machine, etc.). 2 tr. consider; regard as (I rate them among my benefactors). 3 intr. (foll. by as) rank or be rated. 4 tr. Brit. a subject to the payment of a local rate. b value for the purpose of assessing rates. 5 tr. be worthy of, deserve. 6 tr. Naut. place in a specified class (cf. RATING(1)). at any rate in any case, whatever happens. at this (or that) rate if this example is typical or this assumption is true. rate-capping Brit. the imposition of an upper limit on the rate leviable by a local authority.
[ ME f. OF f. med.L rata f. L pro rata parte or portione according to the proportional share f. ratus past part. of reri reckon ]