Percent

Definition

The term "percent" denotes (1) one part in every hundred; (2) a rate or proportion per hundred; and (3) the symbol “%” representing that proportion.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /pərˈsɛnt/
• Respelling: per-SENT

British English

• IPA: /pəˈsɛnt/
• Respelling: puh-SENT

Etymology

From Medieval Latin per centum “for each hundred,” from Latin per “for each” + centum “hundred.” Entered English in the late 16th century.

Derivatives

• Percentage (noun)
• Percentile (noun)
• Percental (adjective, rare)

Synonyms

• Per hundred
• Out of each hundred

Antonyms

• Absolute number
• Whole

Usage

"Percent" appears in statistics, finance, science, and everyday contexts. Examples: "Inflation rose by 2 percent this year," "Only 5 percent of applicants were selected."

Related Terms

• Percentage: The portion in hundredths.
• Percentile: A value below which a given percentage of observations fall.
• Ratio: A comparative relation between two quantities.
• Proportion: The relative size of two quantities.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• One part in every hundred: Denotes a fraction of 100 as a unit.
  • Example: "Ten percent of the class passed."
• The symbol “%”: Represents the percent unit in notation.
  • Example: "The sale price was reduced by 20 %."

Adverb

• At the rate of a stated percent: Indicates change or proportion per hundred.
  • Example: "The population grew 3 percent last year."