proportion

American  

[pruh-pawr-shuhn, -pohr-] / prəˈpɔr ʃən, -ˈpoʊr- /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to adjust in relative amount, size, etc

2. to cause to be harmonious in relationship of parts

proportion Scientific  

/ 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 .

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proportion Idioms  

1. see out of proportion.

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Related Words

See symmetry.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of proportion

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

Example Sentences

However, it doesn't give detail on the proportions of school leavers it would aim to send into vocational trades.

From BBC

Some 58% of loans in December were made at interest rates at or below the official benchmark lending rate of 3%, Mr. Wright notes, and that proportion has risen steadily over the past couple years.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a proportion of Apple’s total sales, $1 billion is small.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, only a tiny proportion of patients with HPV will develop cancer.

From BBC

The instant of dismissal we would mob the door of Barracks 8, stepping on each others’ heels in our eagerness to get inside, to shrink the world back to understandable proportions.

From Literature

Related Words

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