Cent

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /sɛnt/

Definitions

1. Noun: A unit of currency, typically representing one hundredth of a basic monetary unit (e.g., one cent is 1/100th of a dollar or euro).
2. Noun: A coin representing one hundredth of a monetary unit, such as the U.S. penny.
3. Adjective (informal): Relating to or denoting small amounts or minor fractions of a larger quantity.

Usage Examples

• The price of the item was listed as $1.99, which includes a 99 cent price.
• He found a rare cent coin in his collection, which had a historic value.
• We need one more cent to complete the total amount required.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "centum," meaning "one hundred," cent refers to a fractional value of one hundredth of a unit, such as a dollar or euro. The word "cent" has been used to represent smaller denominations of currency since the 18th century.

Synonyms

• Coin
• Penny (in the U.S.)
• Fractional unit

Antonyms

• Dollar (or other main currency unit)
• Whole unit

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

While the standard pronunciation remains "sɛnt," regional variations may exist, such as slight shifts in vowel sounds or emphasis. In some regions, it may be pronounced with a more open vowel sound like /æ/ instead of /ɛ/.

Historical Usage

The cent has been a part of global currency systems since the 18th century, particularly in the U.S., where it is equivalent to one-hundredth of a dollar. The cent has been widely used in the context of small denominations and in pricing goods or services.

Cultural Nuances

In various countries, the cent has a rich history of being used in everyday transactions, particularly in the U.S., where it is embodied by the famous penny coin. While in some countries, such as the U.S., it is still commonly used, other countries have phased out the coin in favor of digital payments or rounding practices.

More Information