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

It resembled her old body, but the proportions were slightly different.

Read more on Literature

Compared with large outfits, community banks allocate a much higher proportion of their assets to small business and retail lending.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The combined market value of the Magnificent Seven on Wednesday stood at 38% of the S&P 500, the highest proportion in data going back to 2020.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Half of the neighbourhoods in Middlesbrough are very deprived, making it the local authority with the highest proportion, ahead of Birmingham and Hartlepool.

Read more on BBC

According to the survey, the breakdown among voters was highly partisan, with more than 9 out of 10 Democrats supporting Proposition 50 and a similar proportion of Republicans opposing it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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