- Proportion is defined as a numerical relationship that compares things or people.
An example of proportion is the number of girls in a class compared to the number of boys.
proportion definition by Webster's New World
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.
- 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
- rule of three
- 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)
Origin: Middle English proporcioun ; from Middle French proporcion ; from Classical Latin proportio ; from pro, for plush 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:
- proportionment noun
proportion definition by American Heritage Dictionary
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 .
- To adjust so that proper relations between parts are attained.
- To form the parts of with balance or symmetry.
Origin: Middle English proporcion, from Old French proportion, from Latin prōportiō, prōportiōn-, from prō portiōne, according to (each) part : prō, according to; see pro-1 + portiōne, ablative of portiō, part; see perə-2 in Indo-European roots.
Related Forms:
- pro·porˈtion·a·ble adjective
- pro·porˈtion·a·bly adverb
- pro·porˈtion·er noun
- pro·porˈtion·ment noun
proportion - Phrases/Idioms
see out of proportion.
proportion - Science Definition
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 .
