To clarify the difference, let's define what an adult literacy rate is:
* Adult literacy rate: This is the percentage of adults in a population (usually defined as age 15 and above) who can, with understanding, read and write a short, simple statement on their everyday life. It's a specific metric measuring a particular skill within a defined group.
The incomplete phrase "rate" is too broad. It could refer to *any* percentage or proportion. To compare "adult literacy rate" to another rate, you'd need to specify the other rate, for example:
* Adult literacy rate vs. youth literacy rate: This compares the literacy of adults to that of children/young people.
* Adult literacy rate vs. overall literacy rate: This compares adult literacy to the literacy rate of the entire population (including children).
* Adult literacy rate vs. employment rate: This compares literacy levels to employment levels, showing a possible correlation.
* Adult literacy rate vs. poverty rate: Similar to the previous example, this explores a possible relationship between literacy and poverty.
In short, the "adult literacy rate" is a *specific type* of "rate," while "rate" is a general term. To understand the difference, you must specify what other rate is being compared.