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Per cent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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per cent

[pษ™r หˆsษ›nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

finance

Per cent is a term used to describe a proportion out of a hundred. It is commonly used in finance to represent percentages of a total amount.

Synonyms

fraction, percentage, portion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
per cent

This is commonly used in more formal writing or speech, specifically when expressing a particular number out of 100.

  • The interest rate increased by 2 per cent.
  • Approximately 50 per cent of the population voted.
percentage

This is used when discussing a proportion or share of a whole, often in slightly less formal contexts. It is also used broadly in various fields like mathematics, science, and business.

  • A large percentage of the students passed the exam.
  • The percentage of sales has increased this quarter.
portion

This is typically used to describe a part of something larger, often related to physical objects or abstract divisions.

  • He ate a large portion of the cake.
  • They donated a portion of their salary to charity.
fraction

Use this in mathematics or when expressing parts of a whole, typically not involving a percentage.

  • One-third of the cake is left.
  • He solved the math problem involving fractions.

Examples of usage

  • The interest rate for the loan is 5 per cent.
  • She scored 90 per cent on her exam.
  • Prices have increased by 10 per cent this year.

Translations

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

Origin of 'per cent'

The term 'per cent' originates from the Latin phrase 'per centum' which means 'by the hundred'. It has been used for centuries in various fields such as finance, mathematics, and statistics to represent a fraction of a whole. The concept of percentages has been essential in calculating proportions and expressing relative values in different contexts.