definitions

proportional

[ pruh-pawr-shuh-nl, -pohr- ]
/ prəˈpɔr ʃə nl, -ˈpoʊr- /
|

adjective

having due proportion; corresponding.
being in or characterized by proportion.
of, relating to, or based on proportion; relative.
Mathematics.
  1. (of two quantities) having the same or a constant ratio or relation: The quantities y and x are proportional if y/x = k, where k is the constant of proportionality.
  2. (of a first quantity with respect to a second quantity) a constant multiple of: The quantity y is proportional to x if y = kx, where k is the constant of proportionality.

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Nearby words

propone, proponent, propontis, proportion, proportionable, proportional, proportional counter, proportional font, proportional limit, proportional representation, proportional spacing

Origin of proportional

1350–1400; Middle English proporcional < Latin prōportiōnālis. See proportion, -al1

SYNONYMS FOR proportional

1 harmonious, comparative, accordant, consonant, proportionate.

Related forms

Can be confused

proportional proportionate
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for non-proportional

proportional

/ (prəˈpɔːʃənəl) /

adjective

of, involving, or being in proportion
maths having or related by a constant ratio

noun

maths an unknown term in a proportionin a/b = c/x, x is the fourth proportional

Derived Forms

proportionality, nounproportionally, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012