Word
rates
US/ˈɹeɪts/
UK/ɹˈeɪts/
Definitions
01prices or speeds
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. the speed at which something happens or the price you pay for a service.
n. plural form of rate; refers to measurements of speed, frequency, or fixed prices for services.
“The hotel offers lower rates if you book your room during the week.”
“The central bank monitored the rates of inflation closely, fearing that rapid price increases would destabilise the national economy.”
02local property taxes
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Law British English
n. taxes that people pay to their local government for their house or land.
n. a tax levied by local government on the value of land and buildings. Pluralia tantum in this specific administrative sense.
“The local council decided to increase the rates to pay for new parks.”
“Small business owners in the district petitioned the government for a reduction in business rates to help them survive the economic downturn.”
Synonyms
03interest rates
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Mathematics Informal
n. the percentage of extra money you pay when you borrow from a bank.
n. abbreviated form of 'interest rates'; the percentage charged by a lender for the use of assets.
“Rates are so high right now that it is difficult to get a mortgage.”
“Financial analysts predicted that rates would remain steady until the end of the fiscal year, providing some stability for investors.”
Synonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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