Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To calculate, divide, or distribute a cost, amount, or payment proportionally according to a specific period of time, usage, or share.
   • To assess or settle something on a proportional basis.

Usage

• Prorate is used when a total amount (like rent, a bill, salary, or subscription fee) needs to be adjusted because the service or period of use is incomplete or shared.
• It is commonly followed by a direct object (the amount being divided) and often includes a prepositional phrase starting with "for" or "over" to indicate the basis of the calculation.
• Common Contexts: Accounting, billing, real estate (rent), salaries, subscriptions, and utility bills.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The landlord agreed to prorate the first month's rent since I moved in on the 15th.
  • Your annual membership fee will be prorated for the remaining months of the year.
  • We need to prorate the electricity bill based on each tenant's square footage.

Advanced Usage

• "to prorate something over a period": To spread a cost proportionally across a defined timeframe.
  • The bonus will be prorated over the employee's first year.
• "to prorate for a partial period": To calculate an amount for an incomplete cycle.
  • The software automatically prorates for partial subscription months.

Variants and Related Words

• Proration (noun): The act or result of prorating.
  • The proration of the fees was calculated fairly.
• Proratable (adjective): Capable of being prorated.
  • The cost is proratable on a daily basis.

Synonyms

• Apportion: To divide and assign proportionally.
• Allocate: To distribute for a specific purpose.
• Proportion: To adjust in size or amount relative to something else.

Antonyms

• Charge in full: To require payment of the entire amount without adjustment.
• Lump sum: A single, complete payment not divided proportionally.

Verb

1. divide or assess proportionally
   • The rent was prorated for the rest of the month
2. make a proportional settlement or distribution