Word: Crime Rate
Definition:
The "crime rate" is a noun that describes how many crimes happen in a specific area compared to the number of people living there. It is usually shown as the number of crimes per 1,000 people in a year.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "crime rate" when talking about safety in a city, town, or neighborhood. It helps people understand if a place is safe or dangerous based on how many crimes occur.
Example Sentence:
"The crime rate in our neighborhood has decreased this year, making it feel safer to walk at night."
Advanced Usage:
In more detailed discussions, you might hear phrases like "rising crime rate" (meaning more crimes) or "low crime rate" (meaning fewer crimes).
Word Variants:
- Crime (noun): An action that breaks the law. - Criminal (noun/adjective): A person who commits a crime or related to crime. - Criminology (noun): The study of crime and criminals.
Different Meanings:
While "crime rate" specifically refers to the number of crimes, the word "crime" by itself can refer to any illegal act, and "rate" can also mean a measure of something, like interest rates in finance.