proportion

(prə-pôrˈshən, -pōrˈ-)

1. A part considered in relation to the whole.
2. 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.
3. 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).
4. Agreeable or harmonious relation of parts within a whole; balance or symmetry.
5. Dimensions; size. Often used in the plural.
6. 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 .

1. To adjust so that proper relations between parts are attained.
2. To form the parts of with balance or symmetry.

Related Forms:

• pro·porˈtion·a·ble adjective

• pro·porˈtion·a·bly adverb

• pro·porˈtion·er noun

• pro·porˈtion·ment noun