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

The decision of military leaders to order action on settler violence will test discipline in an army where settlers make up a growing proportion of troops.

Read more on BBC

He’s keeping his eye on market breadth — the proportion of stocks that rise when the broader indices rise — which when it falls can be a signal of deteriorating market health.

Read more on MarketWatch

"The Stockholm thing was taken out of proportion," said Johnson.

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“The administrative complexity of what we were doing was out of proportion to our assets,” said Charlie.

Read more on Literature

“The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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