Meaning & Definition of word "Percent"

Percent

/pərˈsɛnt/

noun:

  • 1. A part or other object of a whole, represented in a ratio out of 100.
    • Example: Twenty percent of the class passed the exam with honors.
  • 2. A proportion or fraction that represents a percentage.
    • Example: The company's profits increased by ten percent this year.
  • 3. A measure of a quantity in relation to a total expressed as a fraction of 100.
    • Example: She received a score of 85 percent on her test.

adjective:

  • 1. Relating to or expressed as a percentage.
    • Example: The percent increase in sales was noted in the quarterly report.
  • 2. Representing a proportion of one hundred.
    • Example: The report outlined percent changes in the budget allocations.

Etymology

From Latin 'per centum,' meaning 'by the hundred'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

percent of:

A specific fraction expressed in relation to 100.

percent increase:

A measure of how much a value has increased, expressed as a percentage.

percent decrease:

A measure of how much a value has decreased, expressed as a percentage.

Related Words

percentage:

A quantitative expression as a fraction of 100.

perp:

Slang for 'percent' in informal contexts.

Slang Meanings of percent

Meaning: A way to refer to a portion casually.

Example Sentence: I got a solid 80 percent on that test!

Meaning: Used in a hyperbolic sense to express agreement or endorsement.

Example Sentence: I'm 100 percent on board with this plan.