rate

Where does the word "rate" come from? It comes from Medieval Latin rata, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

Rate’s story begins in Medieval Latin: rata meant “fixed.” From 'pro rata parte', according to a fixed part. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as rate. A fixed amount. It reached English by 1400s as rate. 'first-rate' comes from the ranking of warships. Today, rate means a measure of speed or cost.

1. Stage 1 · Medieval Latin · medieval rata "fixed", from 'pro rata parte', according to a fixed part.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval rate "value, price", a fixed amount.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s rate "value", 'first-rate' comes from the ranking of warships.