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

In fact, America’s rich are responsible for an enormous proportion of the global emissions causing climate change, even as per capita emissions are rising in many other countries.

From Salon

However, the proportion of goals scored from set-pieces continues to trend downwards.

From BBC

But by the time Keir Starmer became prime minister in July this year, the proportion of people in England living in social housing had fallen to about 16% of the population – about four million.

From BBC

One example of this is the high proportion of illegal drugs smuggled through legal global food supply chains.

From BBC

Recent history is littered with examples of Ministry of Defence projects that overrun and overspend, some in eye-watering proportions.

From BBC

Related Words

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