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

In fact, scientists revealed that the asteroid is only 11 metres across, comparable to a school bus — that may seem huge for us Earthlings, but in astronomical proportions that is tiny.

From Space Scoop

Pascal Soriot, chief executive of AstraZeneca, said that drug prices in the U.S. are out of proportion compared with other countries and that the company is increasing its workforce and investment in America.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even in Lebanon, which has the highest proportion of Christians of any Arab country, the community’s share is shrinking.

From The Wall Street Journal

The proportion of young people approving of the monarchy is lower still.

From BBC

The bedrooms are “generously proportioned,” the listing notes.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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