adjective

pro rata

proh RAH-tuh

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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.”

adjective

Worked out in proportion to a larger whole, so that each part gets a share matching its size, time or contribution.

"Part-time staff receive a pro rata holiday entitlement."

"The salary is £40,000 pro rata for a three-day week."

adverb

In proportion; by a matching share.

"Costs will be divided pro rata among the four owners."

How to use pro rata

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSplit fairly in proportion, so you get the share that matches your part.

When to use it

Standard in employment, billing and finance; written as two words in British usage, sometimes hyphenated as pro-rata before a noun.

Memory tip

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 ↓

Easily confused with

pro rata vs prorated pro rata vs flat rate

Common pairings

pro rata salary pro rata basis pro rata share paid pro rata

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “pro rata” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

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".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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proportional proportionate scaled apportioned proportionally proportionately

Antonyms

flat-rate fixed

Related words

set standing agreed fixed stuck permanent constant relative

Rhymes for pro rata

ATA kata mata Tata Lata Data Ogata Plata piñata strata sonata Renata

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.

What is the meaning of 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.

What is another word for pro rata?

Other words for "pro rata" include proportional, proportionate, scaled, apportioned, proportionally, proportionately.

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set standing agreed fixed stuck permanent constant relative