proportion

Proportion is defined as a numerical relationship that compares things or people.

(noun)

An example of proportion is the number of girls in a class compared to the number of boys.

See proportion in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the comparative relation between parts, things, or elements with respect to size, amount, degree, etc.; ratio
a part, share, or portion, esp. in its relation to the whole; quota
relationship between parts or things; esp., harmonious, proper, or desirable relationship; balance or symmetry
size, degree, or extent relative to a standard
dimensions: a building of large proportions
Math.
1. an equality between ratios; relationship between four quantities in which the quotient of the first divided by the second is equal to that of the third divided by the fourth (Ex.: 6 is to 2 as 9 is to 3)
  also called geometrical proportion
2. rule of three

Origin: ME proporcioun < MFr proporcion < L proportio < pro, for + portio, part: see portion

transitive verb

to cause to be in proper relation, harmony, or balance: to proportion the punishment to the crime
to arrange the parts of (a whole) so as to be harmonious or properly balanced

Related Forms:

See proportion in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A part considered in relation to the whole.
A relationship between things or parts of things with respect to comparative magnitude, quantity, or degree: the proper proportion between oil and vinegar in the dressing.
A relationship between quantities such that if one varies then another varies in a manner dependent on the first: “We do not always find visible happiness in proportion to visible virtue” (Samuel Johnson).
Agreeable or harmonious relation of parts within a whole; balance or symmetry.
Dimensions; size. Often used in the plural.
Mathematics A statement of equality between two ratios. Four quantities, a, b, c, d, are said to be in proportion if ^a/_b = ^c/_d .