proportional
Americanadjective
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having due proportion; corresponding.
- Synonyms:
- proportionate, consonant, accordant, harmonious
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being in or characterized by proportion.
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of, relating to, or based on proportion; relative.
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Mathematics.
-
(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.
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(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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adjective
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of, involving, or being in proportion
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maths having or related by a constant ratio
noun
Other Word Forms
- interproportional adjective
- nonproportional adjective
- nonproportionally adverb
- proportionality noun
- proportionally adverb
- subproportional adjective
- subproportionally adverb
- unproportional adjective
- unproportionally adverb
Etymology
Origin of proportional
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English proporcional, from Latin prōportiōnālis; proportion, -al 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A second principle that limits when deadly force can legally be used is proportionality: Shooting someone is only justified when it is a proportional response to the perceived threat.
From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026
Each region elects seven members using a form of proportional representation.
From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026
Then there’s Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey’s proposal, which would let a married couple deduct the first $75,000 of income, with a proportional cut for individuals.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 12, 2026
It could take another two to three days to tally the results of the proportional representation vote, officials said.
From BBC • Mar. 5, 2026
Both felt that it was a period of high visibility, that their faults and blemishes were sinking into obscurity in an inversely proportional manner.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
