1. To be considered more valuable, significant, or important than another person, thing, or group of people or things. I believe preserving the wellbeing of our fellow citizens rates above trying to maximize the profits of corporations. Although he is largely written off by music aficionados, he still rates above nearly every other singer on the billboards every time he releases a new album.

2. To consider someone or something to be more valuable, significant, or important than another person, thing, or group of people or things. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "rate" and "above." I wouldn't rate it above her other work, but it's still a very well-written piece of literature. We rate Sarah above any other lawyers in the city, so we have full confidence in her ability to handle this case on her own.

1. To be considered as having particular rank, designation, or characterization. The company still rates as one of the most profitable businesses in the world. Some of it has become pretty clichéd by today's standards, but I'd say it still rates as a fantastic horror movie in its own right.

2. To consider someone or something to have a particular rate, designation, or characterization. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "rate" and "as." I'd have to rate that as one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. I still rate Tom as a great writer, even if his last book was a little underwhelming.

1. To have or earn a particular rating level. The newer model is rated at a much higher energy yield than older machines. They say the battery is rated at roughly three hours per charge, but I've never gotten longer than a single hour out of it.

2. To assign someone or something a particular rating or score. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "rate" and "at." The Sunday Inquirer rated the comedian at a stellar 4.5 out of 5 stars. I personally enjoyed the film despite its flaws, but I'd probably rate it more objectively at a 6 out of 10. The packaging rates the light bulb at a Level A in energy consumption.

1. To be considered less valuable, significant, or important than another person, thing, or group of people or things. I personally believe that trying to maximize the profits of corporations rates below preserving the wellbeing of our fellow citizens. His music is very popular across the globe, even though he tends to rate below most "serious" musical artists.

2. To consider someone or something to be less valuable, significant, or important than another person, thing, or group of people or things. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "rate" and "below." It's still very well-written, but I would probably rate it below her other work. I have to rate my last driver below others I've had through your service. He was very unprofessional.

1. To be considered equal or comparable to someone or something else in value, ability, significance, importance, etc. Even after so many years, the company still rates with the most profitable businesses in the world. I really think she rates with the likes of Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin—her voice is just that good.

2. To consider someone or something to be equal or comparable to someone or something else in value, ability, significance, importance, etc. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "rate" and "with." Many people rate the exquisite building with the greatest pieces of architecture in the world. I still rate Tom with the best writers out there today, even if his last book was a little underwhelming.