Penny Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
penny
[หpษni ]
Definitions
money
A penny is a small unit of currency in various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and others. It is typically worth one one-hundredth of the respective currency.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| penny |
Similar to the first definition, but also used informally or diminutively in various contexts. Sometimes may have a slightly old-fashioned or quaint connotation.
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| cent |
Used mainly in the US and other countries to denote a unit of currency equal to one one-hundredth of a dollar.
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| pence |
The plural form of 'penny' used in the UK, specifically when referring to amounts over one. It is used to describe multiple units of currency equal to one one-hundredth of a pound.
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| coin |
Refers to a piece of hard material that is used as money, including all values and denominations, not only specific units like 'penny' or 'cent'.
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Examples of usage
- I found a penny on the street.
- She saved every penny she earned.
British
In British English, 'penny' can also refer to a one-cent coin equivalent.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| penny |
Use 'penny' when referring to a single unit of currency in the United States that is worth one cent. It's also used in the UK to refer to one pence (plural: pence).
|
| cent |
Use 'cent' when making a reference to any monetary unit in the United States that consists of one-hundredth of a dollar. It is more general compared to 'penny'.
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| pence |
Use 'pence' when referring to the plural form of 'penny' in the context of British currency.
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| coin |
Use 'coin' when talking about metal money in general, regardless of its value or denomination.
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Examples of usage
- He gave me a British penny as a souvenir.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The first British penny was minted in the 8th century and was made of silver.
- Originally, pennies were much larger and were often cut into smaller pieces for easier use in trade.
- In 1857, the United States discontinued the half-cent coin, making the penny one of the smallest denominations still in circulation.
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, finding a penny is considered good luck, especially if found heads-up.
- The phrase 'a penny saved is a penny earned' emphasizes the importance of saving money for future use.
- Pennies have appeared in literature and popular culture, often symbolizing small amounts of money or thriftiness.
Science
- Pennies are mostly made of copper-coated zinc, leading to interesting chemical properties such as oxidation.
- The weight of a penny is 2.5 grams, making it one of the lightest coins in circulation, which affects how they are stored and transported.
- Due to their small size, pennies contribute significantly to the concept of 'mass' in everyday economics and currency.
Pop Culture
- The famous song 'Penny Lane' by The Beatles highlights everyday life in Liverpool, showcasing the coinโs relevance in music.
- In film, pennies often represent childhood innocence, as seen in movies where children save pennies to achieve a goal.
- The phrase 'penny for your thoughts' has made its way into popular phrases and conversations, indicating a desire to know what someone is thinking.
Origin of 'penny'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'penny' comes from the Old English term 'pening,' which has Germanic roots.
- In some regions, the term 'penny' has been used to refer to various coins of different values throughout history.
- The plural of penny can be 'pennies' or 'pence,' depending on the context.
The word 'penny' originates from Old English 'penig', of West Germanic origin. It has been used to refer to small denominations of currency for centuries, with various adaptations in different languages. The significance of the penny has evolved over time, from a valuable coin to a symbol of small value or luck.