centas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (historical/regional)Historical/numismatic
Quick answer
What does “centas” mean?
A subdivision of the Lithuanian litas, equal to 1/100 of a litas. The term was historically used for Lithuanian currency.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A subdivision of the Lithuanian litas, equal to 1/100 of a litas. The term was historically used for Lithuanian currency.
A historical unit of currency (coin) in Lithuania, equivalent to one-hundredth of a litas. Since the litas was replaced by the euro in 2015, the term is now archaic or historical. The term originates from the same Latin root ('centum' meaning 'hundred') as cent, centime, etc.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in usage; the term is equally obscure and region-specific in both British and American English. It would only appear in historical or numismatic contexts.
Connotations
Historical, foreign, specific to Lithuania.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties. Slightly more likely to appear in British texts due to geographical proximity, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “centas” in a Sentence
NUM (number) centaithe Lithuanian centasbe worth a centasVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Only in historical financial reports about Lithuania.
Academic
In economic history papers, numismatic studies, or texts on Baltic states.
Everyday
Virtually never used. An older Lithuanian might refer to it nostalgically.
Technical
Used in catalogues of world coins or historical currency lists.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centas”
- Using 'centas' to refer to Euro cents (use 'cent').
- Incorrect plural: 'centases' (correct: 'centai').
- Assuming it is a current currency unit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Lithuania adopted the euro in 2015, replacing the litas and its subdivision, the centas.
The plural is 'centai', following Lithuanian grammar.
No, that would be incorrect. The US currency uses 'cent'. 'Centas' is specific to historical Lithuanian currency.
You would likely only encounter it when reading about Lithuanian history, economics, or if you are a coin collector.
A subdivision of the Lithuanian litas, equal to 1/100 of a litas. The term was historically used for Lithuanian currency.
Centas is usually historical/numismatic in register.
Centas: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntæs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not worth a red centas. (Lithuanian-influenced variation of 'not worth a red cent')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CENT + AS. A CENT from LithuaniAS.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS HISTORY / VALUE IS MEASURED IN SUBDIVISIONS
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'centas'?