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

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

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

"I have spent a large proportion of my life trying to warn of the existential threats facing us over global warming, climate change and biodiversity loss," the King told delegates.

Read more on BBC

That’s a full decade with the type of player who comes along once in a generation, a slugger of historic proportions who stands alongside all of the legends who donned pinstripes before him.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

A growing proportion of abortions in the U.S. are provided using telemedicine—including for women in states that have banned nearly all abortions since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

At 729 feet long and 75 feet wide, the Fitz had about the same proportions “as an old wooden ruler,” Mr. Bacon writes.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

The bureau also said the proportion of Americans with health insurance for some or all of 2024 was 92%, little changed from a year earlier.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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