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.

---

verb (used with object)

proportions, present (3rd person singular) proportioned, past participle, past proportioning present participle

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

---

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 .

---

proportion Idioms  

1. see out of proportion.

---

Synonym Usage

See symmetry.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

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

Conjugated Forms

Present

• have proportioned
  perfect
• has proportioned
  perfect 3rd person singular
• is proportioning
  progressive 3rd person singular
• am proportioning
  progressive 1st person singular
• has been proportioning
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• are proportioning
  progressive
• proportioning
  participle
• have been proportioning
  perfect progressive
• proportions
  singular 3rd person

Past

• had proportioned
  perfect
• had been proportioning
  perfect progressive
• was proportioning
  progressive singular
• were proportioning
  progressive plural
• proportioned
  simple
• proportioned
  participle

Future

• will proportion
  simple
• will have proportioned
  perfect
• will have been proportioning
  perfect progressive
• will be proportioning
  progressive

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

Explanation

Proportion is about balance and how things fit together harmoniously. For example "That hound dog's tiny legs look out of proportion to that big fat body." The prefix comes from the Latin pro meaning "on behalf of, for." If you're Proportion likes portions, and for them to be the right size. The cake's sweetness is in direct proportion to how much sugar you put in. It's a compliment to tell someone he or she has just the right proportions, but you might get slapped. It can also be a part of something, as in a significant proportion of our student body has dyed their hair purple.

Example Sentences

Pratt tapped into real issues in L.A. and then blew them wildly out of proportion.

From Slate • Jun. 9, 2026

In October 2023, Gold said she would consider selling a proportion of her stake "to the right partner".

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

But again, have a sense of proportion about the reality of our media landscape.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

The worst outcomes could be avoided if "a larger proportion of patients were identified, isolated, and treated," the agency said in its reports.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

She wanted Ellsberg to realize he’d blown the appearance of the German poet way out of proportion, and he got the message.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

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