Percent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฏ
percent
[pษrหsษnt ]
Definitions
mathematics
A percentage is a number or ratio expressed as a fraction of 100. It is often used to represent proportions, especially in finance and statistics.
Synonyms
fraction, part, proportion, ratio.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| percent |
Use 'percent' when describing a part out of 100, often in statistics or data reporting.
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| proportion |
Use 'proportion' when talking about the relationship between parts within a whole, frequently used in context with scales and comparisons.
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| ratio |
Use 'ratio' when specifically discussing the relative sizes of two or more values, commonly used in mathematics and science.
|
| fraction |
Use 'fraction' when referring to a numerical quantity that is not a whole number, often used in mathematics.
|
| part |
Use 'part' when talking about a section or piece of something larger, can be both literal and metaphorical.
|
Examples of usage
- He scored 90 percent in the exam.
- The company saw a 10% increase in profits.
- What percentage of the population is under 30?
- She saved 20 percent of her income.
- The tax rate is set at 7 percent.
general usage
A percentage can also refer to a share of something, often in terms of influence, importance, or a portion of a whole.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| percent |
Used to express a fraction of 100, often in statistics, finance, and reports.
|
| share |
Refers to a part of something that is divided among people, often used in business and social contexts.
|
| portion |
Often used to refer to a specific section or piece of a whole, commonly used in food, but also in other contexts.
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| part |
Refers to a portion or section of something larger, can be used in both physical and abstract contexts.
|
| amount |
Refers to the total or sum of something, can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns.
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Examples of usage
- He has a high percentage of the company's shares.
- There is a large percentage of students interested in science.
- The team has a significant percentage of the market.
- A small percentage of the budget is allocated for research.
- She holds a large percentage of the power in the organization.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- To convert a fraction to a percent, you multiply by 100.
- Percentages are useful for comparing different quantities and understanding ratios.
- The concept is widely used in finance, sales, and statistics to represent changes and comparisons.
History
- In the 17th century, percent calculations were essential for banking and trade.
- The introduction of paper money increased the need for understanding percentages in finance.
- Percentages became common in everyday language as education and literacy improved.
Psychology
- People often find it easier to understand information presented in percentages rather than raw numbers.
- Studies show percentage-based comparisons can influence decision-making and perceptions of value.
- Using percentages can trigger a greater emotional response in marketing and advertising.
Pop Culture
- In television and movies, percentages are often used to create drama, such as 'You only have a 10 percent chance of surviving.'
- Percentage discounts are a common theme in sales advertising, attracting consumers to shop.
- Competitions frequently use percentages to determine winners or rank performances.
Origin of 'percent'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'per centum', meaning 'by the hundred'.
- It was first used in English around the late 16th century.
- In mathematical terms, it looks like a fraction where the bottom number is always 100.
The word 'percent' originated from the Latin phrase 'per centum', meaning 'by the hundred'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to denote a proportion or rate per hundred. The concept of percentages has been fundamental in various fields such as mathematics, finance, and statistics, allowing for easy comparison and representation of data.
See also: percentage, percentages.