Understanding the Term Per Centum
If you have ever spent time reading legal contracts, historical financial documents, or scholarly research papers, you may have encountered the formal phrase per centum. While it might look like a complex or archaic expression, it is simply the root and the traditional precursor to the common word "percent." Understanding per centum allows you to better grasp the origin of the mathematical concepts we use every day and adds a touch of precision to your formal writing.
What Does Per Centum Mean?
At its core, per centum is a Latin phrase that literally translates to "by the hundred." When we use this term, we are referring to a proportion or a rate calculated in relation to a whole that is divided into one hundred parts. In modern English, we almost always use the single word "percent," but per centum remains the standard in specific professional, legal, and formal settings.
Usage and Grammar Patterns
Because it is a formal Latinate term, per centum is rarely used in casual conversation. Instead, it appears in contexts where strict accuracy and traditional terminology are required. Here are a few ways it functions within a sentence:
- As a rate of interest: It is frequently found in old banking laws or official loan documentation to describe the annual interest rate applied to a principal amount.
- In legislative drafting: Legal statutes sometimes use the term to avoid ambiguity, as it clearly ties the figure to a denominator of one hundred.
- Historical accounts: Writers use the term to provide a period-appropriate feel when discussing historical tax rates or economic reports.
Example sentences:
- The contract stipulated an interest rate of five per centum per annum on all overdue balances.
- Legislators argued over whether the tax should be set at three per centum of the total property value.
- Historically, the per centum method was the primary way merchants calculated their profit margins in international trade.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake when using per centum is treating it as an informal synonym for "percent" or "percentage." Avoid using it in emails to friends, casual blog posts, or text messages, as it will sound overly stiff or pretentious.
Another point of confusion is the spelling. Always remember that per centum is two distinct words. Unlike "percent" (which is one word) or "percentage" (which refers to a general rate), per centum must maintain its two-word structure to remain grammatically correct in its traditional context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is per centum the same as percent?
Yes, mathematically they mean the same thing. However, "percent" is the standard modern term, while per centum is the original Latin phrase preserved for legal and formal use.
Should I use per centum in my daily writing?
No. For essays, emails, and general reports, use "percent" or the symbol "%." Only use per centum if you are drafting a legal document, studying historical archives, or writing in a style that specifically calls for archaic or formal terminology.
Why do legal documents still use it?
Legal language often preserves older terms to ensure consistency and avoid ambiguity. Because per centum has a long-standing history in legislative documents, it is kept to ensure that there is no confusion regarding the original intent of the law.
Conclusion
While you likely won't need to use per centum in your everyday life, recognizing it is a sign of a sophisticated vocabulary. It serves as a bridge between modern mathematics and the history of the English language. By understanding that this phrase simply means "by the hundred," you can approach formal documents with confidence and a deeper appreciation for the evolution of our language.