pro rata
Pro rata (adjective) means Worked out in proportion to a larger whole, so that each part gets a share matching its size, time or contribution. Example: “Part-time staff receive a pro rata holiday entitlement.”
How to Use Pro rata
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSplit fairly in proportion, so you get the share that matches your part.
Standard in employment, billing and finance; written as two words in British usage, sometimes hyphenated as pro-rata before a noun.
In a job advert, "£40,000 pro rata" is the full-time figure, not what a part-timer will actually be paid.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Part-time staff receive a _____ holiday entitlement.
Etymology
From Latin pro rata parte, "according to the calculated share".
Synonyms
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Related Words
Rhymes for pro rata
See all rhymes for pro rata →Frequently Asked Questions
What does "salary pro rata" mean in a job advert?
It means the figure quoted is the full-time equivalent, and your actual pay will be scaled to the hours you work. On a £40,000 pro rata salary, someone working three days out of five would earn about £24,000.
What is the difference between pro rata and prorated?
They express the same idea. Pro rata is the Latin phrase used as an adjective or adverb, common in British English; prorated is the American verb form meaning the amount has already been adjusted in proportion.