Rating
/ˈreɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn assessment or evaluation of something, typically according to a scale.
/ˈreɪtɪŋ/
A classification or evaluation.
The customer gave the restaurant a five-star rating.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're giving a thumbs up or thumbs down to a movie or a restaurant. A rating is like that, but it's usually more specific, like giving stars or a letter grade.
👶 For kids: A rating is like giving a star to a toy or a show! It tells you how good it is.
More Examples
The credit rating agency lowered the country's rating due to economic instability.
The movie's rating reflected its suitability for different age groups.
How It's Used
"The company's bond rating was downgraded."
"The movie received a PG-13 rating."
"The athlete's world ranking improved this year."
The act of giving a value to something or someone.
/ˈreɪtɪŋ/
The act of evaluating something.
The employee's performance review included a rating from their manager.
💡 Simply: It's the moment you're actually deciding how many stars to give something or how you're judging it.
👶 For kids: When you say how good something is.
More Examples
The survey asked for a rating of the product's usability.
The teacher gave each student a rating on their project.
How It's Used
"The company used an employee rating system."
"I appreciate you taking the time for a rating."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
off the charts rating
Exceptionally high rating
"The restaurant received an off the charts rating from critics."
be rated highly
To be given a good evaluation or ranking.
"The company is rated highly for its customer service."
From the verb 'rate,' which comes from the Italian 'rata' meaning 'reckoning' or 'estimation,' and from the French 'rate' meaning 'fixed price,' and then from Latin 'rata' meaning 'calculated, settled.'
The term 'rating' has been used in various contexts over centuries. Its earliest use was in the context of financial and accounting records, and its use as an evaluation tool became more common in the 20th century, especially with the rise of media and consumerism.
Memory tip
Think of a 'score' you give something; a rating is like a score.