Percentage | Definition, Etymology, Synonyms & Antonyms

Percentage (noun)

Definition

“Percentage” is a noun that refers to a portion or fraction of a whole expressed as a number out of 100. It represents a relative quantity or share in relation to the total.

Etymology

The word “percentage” has its origins in the Latin word “per centum,” which means “per hundred.” It was adopted into Middle English as “per cent,” and over time, the term “percentage” emerged.

Synonyms

• proportion
• rate
• ratio
• fraction
• share
• part

Antonyms

• whole
• total
• entirety
• lump sum

Example

Out of the total workforce at the company, 25% of employees have more than ten years of experience, indicating a stable and experienced workforce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How is percentage calculated?

To calculate the percentage of a quantity in relation to the whole, divide the part by the whole and then multiply by 100. For example, if there are 20 blue marbles out of 100 marbles in total, the percentage of blue marbles is (20/100) x 100 = 20%.

What is the significance of percentages in statistics?

Percentages are essential in statistics as they provide a standardized way to express the relative distribution of data or the frequency of occurrences in a dataset, making comparisons and analysis easier.

What are some common real-life applications of percentages?

Percentages are used in various real-life scenarios, such as calculating sales tax, discounts in shopping, interest rates on loans, exam scores, and population growth rates.

Can percentages be greater than 100%?

Yes, percentages can be greater than 100% when referring to proportions or growth rates. For example, if a population grows by 5% in a year, the total population would be 105% of the initial value.

What is the difference between percentage and percentile?

Percentage refers to a fraction of a whole expressed as a number out of 100. Percentile, on the other hand, is a statistical concept used to rank data points in a distribution. A certain percentile represents the value below which a given percentage of data falls.

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