proportion

American  

[pruh-pawr-shuhn, -pohr-] / prəˈpɔr ʃən, -ˈpoʊr- /

noun

proportions plural

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)

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

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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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Synonym Usage

See symmetry.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• misproportion
  noun
• proportionability
  noun
• proportioner
  noun
• proportionment
  noun
• superproportion
  noun
• proportionable
  adjective
• proportionless
  adjective
• proportionably
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• proportions
  plural

Participles

• proportioning
  present
• proportioned
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• proportion
  simple
• proportions
  simple
• have proportioned
  perfect
• has proportioned
  perfect
• am proportioning
  progressive
• are proportioning
  progressive
• is proportioning
  progressive
• have been proportioning
  perfect progressive
• has been proportioning
  perfect progressive

Past

• proportioned
  simple
• had proportioned
  perfect
• was proportioning
  progressive
• were proportioning
  progressive
• had been proportioning
  perfect progressive

Future

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

Roughly two-thirds of Black voters said they would support Talarico over Paxton, according to recent public polling — lower than the proportion that have backed the Democratic U.S.

From Salon • Jun. 25, 2026

The proportion of foreign-born players in World Cup teams has bounced up and down over the decades, until recently.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

Then a regular post-match interview from Joao Neves was blown out of proportion and the Portugal camp was thrown into chaos.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

That proportion was reduced in recent years due to U.S. pressure, from 22% a decade ago.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

It has been estimated that we probably have real knowledge of only a small proportion of the microbes of the earth, because most of them cannot be cultivated alone.

From "The Lives of a Cell" by Lewis Thomas

Related Words

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