prorate

American  

[proh-reyt, proh-reyt] / proʊˈreɪt, ˈproʊˌreɪt /

verb (used without object)

prorated, prorating

1. to make an arrangement on a basis of proportional distribution.

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verb (used with object)

prorated, prorating

1. to divide, distribute, or calculate proportionately.

prorate British  

/ prəʊˈreɪt, ˈprəʊreɪt /

verb

1. to divide, assess, or distribute (something) proportionately

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prorate Cultural  

1. To divide or distribute a sum of money proportionately. For example, if one owned an automobile for only three months, an insurance company would prorate the annual premium by charging only one-quarter of it.

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Other Word Forms

• proratable adjective
• proration noun

Etymology

Origin of prorate

An Americanism first recorded in 1855–60; partial translation of pro rata

Explanation

To prorate is to divide something in a proportional way, based on time. If your new landlord prorates your first month's rent, she only charges you for the days you've actually lived in your apartment. The word prorate comes from the Latin pro rata, "according to the calculated share," and when someone prorates a bill or payment, they only charge you for a certain share. Instead of billing you for a fixed rate, they calculate the price based on how much you've used the service: "The electric company will prorate August's bill, since you moved out mid-month."

Example Sentences

If investors as a group request more than 5%, the funds have to choose: honor the whole ask, or stick to the limit and prorate every investor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Private credit funds are experiencing a surge in redemption requests due to anxieties over problem loans, leading some to prorate payouts.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

In the U.S., some states already prorate vehicle registration fees based on weight, and Washington, D.C. recently overhauled its registration system to more heavily penalize larger cars.

From Salon • Sep. 27, 2023

You could prorate the mortgage costs so the partner moving in is paying a modest amount that feels reasonable.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 1, 2023

In almost every one of the prorate dwellings which fringed the Great Canal were to be seen plate, mirrors, jewellery, tapestry, paintings, carving, such as might move the envy of the master of Holyrood.

From The History of England, from the Accession of James II — Volume 5 by Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron