How to pronounce rate
Say it like RAYT. Rate is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- RAYT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RAYTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of rate
American and British speakers say rate in essentially the same way: /reɪt/ in the US and /reɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: RAYT.
What does rate mean?
- The proportional relationship between one amount, value etc. and another.“At the height of his powers, he was producing pictures at the rate of four a year.”
- Speed.“The car was speeding down here at a hell of a rate.”
- The relative speed of change or progress.“The rate of production at the factory is skyrocketing.”
- To assign or be assigned a particular rank or level.“She is rated fourth in the country.”
- To evaluate or estimate the value of.“They rate his talents highly.”
- To consider or regard.“He rated this book brilliant.”
Where does rate come from?
From Middle English rate, from Old French rate, from Medieval Latin rata, from Latin prō ratā parte (“according to a fixed part”), from ratus (“fixed”), from rērī (“think, deem, judge, estimate", originally "reckon, calculate”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with rate
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of rate.
Questions about saying rate
How do you pronounce rate?
Say RAYT. The American pronunciation is /reɪt/. In British English it is /reɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rate?
Rate is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: RAYT.
Do Americans and Brits say rate the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /reɪt/ and the British form is /reɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.