percent

word

/pɝˈsɛnt/
pur-SENT
/pəsˈɛnt/
puh-SENT

Definition

A percent is one part out of a hundred. It is used to talk about rates, amounts, changes, and portions of a whole.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used with numbers: '10 percent', '50 percent off', 'a 5 percent increase'. In American English, both 'percent' and '%' are common with numbers; 'percentage' is more often used for the general idea, not a specific number.

Example Sentences

Only ten percent of the class was absent today.

basic

The store is giving twenty percent off all shoes.

basic

Our sales went up by five percent this month.

basic

I’m almost done—just one percent left to charge.

natural

They promised a small raise, but it was only two percent.

natural

Ninety percent of the time, this app works perfectly.

natural