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 the U.S., a combination of persistent drought and high costs in 2022 forced producers to kill 13.3% of the national beef cow herd, the highest proportion ever.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Roughly one in four school-age kids, or 25%, wear glasses or contacts, a proportion that increases as kids get older, according to 2019 federal survey data.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

"There was completely unacceptable behaviour from a proportion of fans both before and after the match, at what should have been an enjoyable and safe event for all attending," she said, in a statement.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

However, the ratings provider expects the proportion of nonaccrual and PIK BDC debt to rise over the coming months.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

In this way the main piers could remain quite thin in proportion to their height, allowing more space for the windows between them.

From "Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction" by David Macaulay

Related Words

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