Percent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective adverb /pər-ˈsent/ per·cent

Meaning & Definition of Percent

Percent (noun)

  1. one part in a hundred
  2. percentage
  3. securities bearing a specified rate of interest

Percent (adjective)

  1. reckoned on the basis of a whole divided into 100 parts
  2. paying interest at a specified percent

Percent (adverb)

  1. in the hundred, of each hundred

Origin & Etymology of Percent

earlier per cent, from per + Latin centum hundred hundred

First known use: 1721

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Percent

Words & Phrases Containing Percent

percent sign, 100 percent, ninety/ninety-nine percent of the time

Frequently Asked Questions about Percent

What does "Percent" mean?

"Percent" means one part in a hundred. As an a noun, an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: one part in a hundred. It has 6 distinct senses.

Is "Percent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Percent" can be used as a noun, an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.

Is "Percent" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Percent" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Percent"?

"Percent" is pronounced /pər-ˈsent/ and divided into syllables as per·cent.

What is the origin of the word "Percent"?

"Percent" comes from earlier per cent, from per + Latin centum hundred hundred. First known use: 1721.

What does "Percent" mean as a noun?

As a noun, "Percent" means: one part in a hundred; percentage; securities bearing a specified rate of interest.

What does "Percent" mean as an adjective?

As an adjective, "Percent" means: reckoned on the basis of a whole divided into 100 parts; paying interest at a specified percent.

What does "Percent" mean as an adverb?

As an adverb, "Percent" means: in the hundred, of each hundred.