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DictionaryprorateProportional allocation
verb

prorate

proh-RAYT/ˌprəʊˈreɪt/

Divide or calculate an amount in proportion to time, use, or share.

The clerk prorates the service charge according to the hours used.

A small handwritten service ledger on a desk displays ONLY two rows: '1 h $10' and '2 h $20', with one simple analog clock icon beside each row.
Etymology
proLatinin accordance with
+rateLatincount, reckon

The underlying phrase means 'according to the calculated share,' with the reckoning root supplying 'calculated.' To prorate a charge or allocation is to adjust it to the relevant share of time, use, or entitlement.

In context

Wisdom Wednesdays21:27
they prorate out the property lines in between, and I'm reading
Chapter Two Discussion of The Pincushion Effect

More examples

  • We prorate the water bill according to each tenant's usage.
  • The partners prorated expenses according to their ownership shares.
  • The company is prorating bonuses for employees hired during the year.

Forms

prorate · prorates · prorated · prorating

proration noun — Calculation or division of amounts proportionally.

Similar words

apportion
Divides something into shares, not necessarily by a fixed proportion.
allocate
Assigns amounts or resources without requiring a proportional calculation.