starting rate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (Business, Finance, Employment)
Quick answer
What does “starting rate” mean?
The initial level or amount at which something, particularly a payment, begins, especially a wage or interest rate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The initial level or amount at which something, particularly a payment, begins, especially a wage or interest rate.
The base price, speed, or value applicable at the commencement of a process, contract, or period, before any increases or adjustments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning. Slightly more common in UK job adverts and financial products. In US, 'entry-level salary' or 'base rate' are frequent alternatives.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly positive (suggests potential for growth). In UK, often associated with formal apprenticeship schemes or graduate programmes.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in business/finance contexts in both regions. Higher frequency in UK employment discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “starting rate” in a Sentence
The starting rate of [noun phrase] is...A starting rate for [position/task] of...To offer/pay a starting rate of...With a starting rate at...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “starting rate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A - not used as a standalone adjective. It functions as a compound noun.
American English
- N/A - not used as a standalone adjective. It functions as a compound noun.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The starting rate for the graduate scheme is £28,000 per annum, with reviews after six months.
Academic
In labour economics, the starting rate is a key variable for predicting career earnings progression.
Everyday
The starting rate for babysitters in our neighbourhood is about £10 an hour.
Technical
The mortgage has a fixed starting rate of 2.5% for the first two years, then it switches to a variable rate.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “starting rate”
- Using 'start rate' (less common, more informal). Confusing with 'exchange rate' or 'success rate'. Using as a verb: 'They starting rate me...' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Starting rate' refers specifically to the initial amount, which could be hourly, weekly, monthly, or annual. An 'hourly wage' specifies the payment period but not necessarily that it's the starting point.
They are very similar. 'Base salary' is the core fixed pay excluding bonuses. 'Starting rate' explicitly highlights that this is the initial, often lowest, point on a pay scale from which one may progress.
The initial level or amount at which something, particularly a payment, begins, especially a wage or interest rate.
Starting rate is usually formal (business, finance, employment) in register.
Starting rate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɑːtɪŋ ˌreɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɑːrtɪŋ ˌreɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “From the starting rate upwards”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a race: the 'starting rate' is how fast you're going when the gun fires, before you pick up speed.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEGINNING IS A POINT ON A SCALE / VALUE IS SPEED (rate).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'starting rate' LEAST likely to be used?