proportion

[ pruh-pawr-shuhn, -pohr- ]

noun

1. comparative relation between things or magnitudes as to size, quantity, number, etc.; ratio.

   Synonyms: comparison

2. proper relation between things or parts:

   to have tastes way out of proportion to one's financial means.

3. relative size or extent.
4. proportions, dimensions or size:

   a rock of gigantic proportions.

5. a portion or part in its relation to the whole:

   A large proportion of the debt remains.

   Synonyms: share

6. symmetry, harmony, or balance:

   an architect with a sense of proportion.

   Synonyms: arrangement, distribution

7. the significance of a thing or event that an objective view reveals:

   You must try to see these mishaps in proportion.

8. Mathematics. a relation of four quantities such that the first divided by the second is equal to the third divided by the fourth; the equality of ratios. Compare rule of three.
9. Archaic. analogy; comparison.

verb (used with object)

1. to adjust in proper proportion or relation, as to size, quantity, etc.

   Synonyms: harmonize, balance, arrange, regulate

2. to balance or harmonize the proportions of.

proportion

/ prəˈpɔːʃən /

noun

1. the relationship between different things or parts with respect to comparative size, number, or degree; relative magnitude or extent; ratio
2. the correct or desirable relationship between parts of a whole; balance or symmetry
3. a part considered with respect to the whole
4. plural dimensions or size

   a building of vast proportions

5. a share, part, or quota
6. maths a relationship that maintains a constant ratio between two variable quantities

   x increases in direct proportion to y

7. maths a relationship between four numbers or quantities in which the ratio of the first pair equals the ratio of the second pair

verb

1. to adjust in relative amount, size, etc
2. to cause to be harmonious in relationship of parts

proportion

/ prə-pôr′shən /

1. A statement of equality between two ratios. Four quantities, a, b, c, and d, are said to be in proportion if a b = c d .

Derived Forms

• proˌportionaˈbility, noun
• proˈportionment, noun
• proˈportionably, adverb
• proˈportionable, adjective

Other Words From

• pro·portion·er noun
• pro·portion·less adjective
• mispro·portion noun
• repro·portion verb (used with object)
• super·pro·portion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of proportion¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English proporcio(u)n from Latin prōportiōn-, stem of prōportiō “symmetry, analogy”; equivalent to pro- ¹ + portion

Word History and Origins

Origin of proportion¹

C14: from Latin prōportiō (a translation of Greek analogia ), from phrase prō portione, literally: for (its, his, one's) portion

Idioms and Phrases

see out of proportion .

Synonym Study

See symmetry.

Example Sentences

It’s no concert film or visual album, but it’s still a gift of Bey proportions: Beyoncé will perform a live NFL halftime show in Houston on Christmas Day that will be streamed by Netflix.

From Los Angeles Times

"We're just putting it straight in rivers; certainly a proportion of it is no longer being treated at all."

From BBC

Analysis by the UK’s National Crime Agency found that all age groups and genders are being targeted, but that a large proportion of victims are boys and aged between 14 and 18.

From BBC

Younger fishermen reported smaller catches and fish sizes than older generations, but a larger proportion of the younger group believe that fish stocks are not in decline.

From Science Daily

This means a higher proportion would reach the most intense categories.

From BBC

Related Words

• bulk
• capacity
• dimension
• distribution
• fraction
• magnitude
• percentage
• portion
• rate
• ratio
• scale
• scope
• share
• volume