cent
Meaning: A monetary unit equal to one hundredth of a dollar or euro
The noun 'cent' refers to a monetary unit equal to one hundredth of a dollar, euro, or other currency. While Britain uses pence rather than cents, the word is commonly understood due to American influence and the euro. The phrase 'per cent' (or 'percent') derives from this, meaning 'per hundred.' The expression 'my two cents' means giving one's opinion.
Examples
- The coffee costs 2 euros and 50 cents. 咖啡要2欧元50分。El café cuesta 2 euros y 50 céntimos.コーヒーは2ユーロ50セントです。커피는 2유로 50센트입니다.
- Gas prices rose by 10 cents per litre. 汽油价格每升上涨10美分。Los precios de la gasolina subieron 10 centavos por litro.ガソリン価格はリットルあたり10セント上がりました。휘발유 가격이 리터당 10센트 올랐습니다.
- I'll give you my two cents on the matter. 关于这件事,让我说说我的看法。Te daré mi opinión sobre el asunto.この件について私の意見を述べさせてください。이 문제에 대해 제 의견을 말씀드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin 'centum' meaning 'one hundred'. The monetary unit represents one hundredth of a dollar. The same root appears in 'century', 'centimetre', 'percent', and 'centipede'.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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