Definition

A part of a whole expressed in terms of 100; it shows how much of something there is compared to the total amount.

Example

The percentage of students who passed the exam was higher this year than last year.

Conversation

Did you see the report on our sales this month?

Yeah, I noticed that the percentage of increase was impressive!

I was surprised by how much it grew compared to last month.

Me too! It feels great to see such a positive percentage increase.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Percentage → It is formed from "per-" (meaning through or by) and "cent" (from Latin "centum", meaning hundred). The word refers to a portion or share expressed as a fraction of one hundred.

Memory Tip

Think of 'per-' meaning through or by, and 'cent' meaning hundred — this helps you remember that a percentage is a part of something expressed in relation to a hundred.

Visually Confused Words