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.

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

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 .

Other Word Forms

• proportionability noun
• proportionment noun
• proportionably adverb
• proportionable adjective
• proportioner noun
• proportionless adjective
• misproportion noun
• reproportion verb (used with object)
• superproportion 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

Wales had one of the highest proportions of historic buildings in Europe - 30,100 buildings are listed.

From BBC

His first jackets for women were designs he created for men and then recast in a woman’s proportions.

From Los Angeles Times

Although Africa is home to a huge proportion of the world's languages – well over a quarter according to some estimates - many are missing when it comes to the development of AI.

From BBC

"Matchday income generates a small proportion of a club's income, the vast majority comes from media revenues, so squeezing loyal fans further raises little extra money," he said.

From BBC

Tourism is a major part of the business for many Welsh wine producers who offer tours and tasting events resulting in a large proportion of sales at the "cellar door".

From BBC

Related Words

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