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

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 investors may grumble, as some funds prorate redemption requests.

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

Tenants would be required to provide 45 days’ notice, and landlords would be required to prorate rent if the renter moved out.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 6, 2022

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