Spate means a sudden large amount of something, usually something that happens in a short time. It is often used for things like rain, bad weather, or a burst of activity.
In daily English, people use spate when they want to describe a quick increase or a lot of something happening at once. For example, you might hear “a spate of accidents,” “a spate of complaints,” or “a spate of heavy rain.” It sounds natural in news reports and formal writing.
Meaning & Usage
Spate usually means a sudden rush or series of events. It is most common in phrases like “a spate of crimes,” “a spate of messages,” or “a spate of storms.”
Examples
There was a spate of robberies in the area last month.
The city had a spate of heavy rain in the afternoon.
She received a spate of emails after posting the update.
Is “spate” formal or informal?
It is fairly formal, but people still use it often in news and everyday reporting.
Can “spate” be used for good things?
Yes, but it is more often used for problems or events that happen in a sudden group.
What is a common phrase with “spate”?
“A spate of” is the most common phrase, followed by a noun like “accidents,” “complaints,” or “rain.”
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