Hundred Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hundred

[หˆhสŒndrษ™d ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

number

The number 100, equal to ten times ten.

Synonyms

centum, century.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hundred

This is a repeated entry. Refer to the first instance for context and examples.

century

This term is used to describe a time period of one hundred years, often in historical contexts.

  • The 20th century was marked by significant technological advancements
  • She lived to see the turn of the century
centum

This Latin word is primarily used in academic or historical contexts, such as in the study of classical languages or ancient texts.

  • The Latin word 'centum' means hundred
  • 'Centum' is often used in medieval manuscripts

Examples of usage

  • There are one hundred people in the room.
  • I need a hundred dollars to buy this item.
Context #2 | Noun

amount

A large number or amount.

Synonyms

many, numerous.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hundred

Used to specify the exact number 100.

  • There are one hundred students in the auditorium.
  • The book sold one hundred copies in its first week.
numerous

Used to indicate a large, unspecified number of people or things. Suitable for more formal writing and speech.

  • Numerous studies show the benefits of exercise.
  • He has written numerous articles on the subject.
many

Used to indicate a large, unspecified number of people or things. Appropriate for informal situations.

  • She has many friends in the city.
  • There were many cars on the road.

Examples of usage

  • It will take hundreds of hours to complete this project.
  • She has hundreds of books in her collection.
Context #3 | Adjective

quantifying

Amounting to one hundred in number.

Synonyms

100, one hundred.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hundred

In informal settings, synonymous with 'hundreds' to indicate a large number, but not exact.

  • He has read hundreds of books over the years.
  • They have received hundreds of applications for the job.
one hundred

When emphasizing the exact number in both formal and informal contexts, often to ensure clarity.

  • She donated one hundred dollars to the charity.
  • There are exactly one hundred students in the class.
100

Specific numerical value, often used in technical, scientific, or formal contexts where precision is important.

  • The temperature reached 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • He scored 100 points on the test.

Examples of usage

  • There are a hundred reasons why I can't go.
  • I need a hundred balloons for the party.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • This word comes from the Old Norse word 'hundrath,' which means 'hundred' and was likely derived from a phrase meaning 'ten times ten'.
  • In ancient cultures, the concept of hundred was often used in trade and commerce, denoting a significant quantity.
  • The number has been used in various counting systems throughout history, becoming standardized in modern mathematics.

Mathematics

  • One hundred is the square of ten (10 x 10), making it an important figure in geometry and number theory.
  • It's often represented as '100' in the decimal system, which is the standard numerical system used in daily life.
  • In Roman numerals, it is represented as 'C', demonstrating how numbers can be expressed in different ways.

Cultural Significance

  • In various traditions, turning a hundred years old, like in a centenarian celebration, is viewed as a remarkable milestone.
  • In Japan, the 'hundred' mark is significant in martial arts, where practitioners may aim to master a hundred techniques.
  • Many games feature scores of one hundred as a critical achievement, symbolizing excellence or mastery.

Language and Usage

  • The term 'hundred' is often used colloquially to signify a large number, as in 'Iโ€™ll give you a hundred reasons.'
  • In literary works, 'hundred' frequently represents abundance or completeness, enhancing its meaning in storytelling.
  • Expressions like 'a hundred percent' are used to indicate totality or certainty in everyday conversations.

Science and Nature

  • In base-10 counting, every tenth increment leads to forming the next hundred, illustrating nature's reliance on patterns.
  • Some species of trees can grow to be hundreds of years old, linking the number to longevity in nature.
  • A scientific study may take measurements in hundreds to discuss population sizes or quantities in ecological surveys.

Origin of 'hundred'

The word 'hundred' originated from Old English 'hundrวฃd', which is a compound of 'hund' meaning 'hundred' and 'rวฃd' meaning 'counsel' or 'number'. The concept of the number 100 has been significant in various cultures throughout history, often representing completeness or a large quantity.


Word Frequency Rank

At #509 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.