flat-rate
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
All four terms describe a cost that does not change, but they differ in scope. A flat rate is the most specific: it refers to a single price applied to all customers or usage levels within a service category (e.g., a postal flat-rate box costs the same no matter its weight). A fixed price is broader — any product or service sold at one set amount, whether a bus ticket or a house. A flat fee is narrower: it usually describes a one-time professional or administrative charge (e.g., a lawyer's flat fee for drawing up a will). A standard charge is the baseline price before discounts or penalties apply, so it may change under special circumstances. For everyday services like phone plans or shipping, 'flat rate' is the most natural choice.
Common collocations
Etymology
Formed by combining the adjective 'flat' (meaning uniform, without variation) with the noun 'rate' (a set price or charge). The expression 'flat rate' first appeared in the mid-19th century in the context of postal charges, where sending a letter anywhere in the country cost the same amount. It later spread to other services such as utilities, taxes, and telecommunications.