proportional
Americanadjective
-
having due proportion; corresponding.
- Synonyms:
- proportionate, consonant, accordant, harmonious
-
being in or characterized by proportion.
-
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
Etymology
Origin of proportional
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English proporcional, from Latin prōportiōnālis; see proportion, -al 1
Explanation
The adjective proportional describes something that has a relative size or amount to something else. When you're a mom, you know it's best to make sure chores are given out proportional amounts according to age and size of your kids. The United States has proportional representation in Congress, meaning that Congressional districts are divided according to the population, set after each census. The adjective proportional can also be used to describe something that has a constant ratio. This usage is especially common in math to describe things like proportional triangles or proportional variables. Proportionate is often interchangeable with proportional.
Vocabulary lists containing proportional
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Dear Martin
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Steve Jobs's Commencement Address (2005)
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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.
The EU will have to assess the handling fee's amount every two years to ensure it remains proportional to the cost of customs operations in the bloc.
From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2026
Because of Israel’s proportional representation system, no party has ever won 61 seats outright to achieve a Knesset majority, meaning that the election will be followed by potentially long, drawn-out negotiations.
From Slate ● Oct. 28, 2026
Israel uses a proportional representation voting system, meaning governments have always been coalitions of multiple parties.
From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2026
Parties can’t begin until a resident assistant inspects the scene to ensure requirements are met—like offering a proportional amount of food if alcohol is served.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 18, 2026
This states that the body will accelerate, or change its speed, at a rate that is proportional to the force.
From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
