¹proportion

noun pro·por·tion \prə-ˈpȯr-shən\

: an amount that is a part of a whole

: the relationship that exists between the size, number, or amount of two things

: the correct or appropriate relationship between the size, shape, and position of the different parts of something

Full Definition of PROPORTION

: harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole : balance, symmetry

a : proper or equal share <each did her proportion of the work>

b : quota, percentage

: the relation of one part to another or to the whole with respect to magnitude, quantity, or degree : ratio

: size, dimension

: a statement of equality between two ratios in which the first of the four terms divided by the second equals the third divided by the fourth (as in 4/2=10/5) — compare extreme 1b, mean 1c

— in proportion

: proportional 1

See proportion defined for English-language learners

See proportion defined for kids

Origin of PROPORTION

Middle English proporcion, from Anglo-French, from Latin proportion-, proportio, from pro for + portion-, portio portion — more at for

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PROPORTION

Synonyms: balance, coherence, concinnity, consonance, consonancy, orchestration, harmony, symmetry, symphony, unity

Antonyms: asymmetry, discordance, disproportion, disunity, imbalance, incoherence, violence

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

Rhymes with PROPORTION

abortion, apportion, contortion, distortion, extortion

²proportion

verb

pro·por·tionedpro·por·tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\

Definition of PROPORTION

transitive verb

: to adjust (a part or thing) in size relative to other parts or things

: to make the parts of harmonious or symmetrical

: apportion, allot

First Known Use of PROPORTION

14th century

PROPORTION Defined for Kids

proportion

noun pro·por·tion \prə-ˈpȯr-shən\

Definition of PROPORTION for Kids

: the size, number, or amount of one thing or group of things as compared to that of another thing or group of things <The proportion of boys to girls in our class is two to one.>

: a balanced or pleasing arrangement <The oversize garage is out of proportion with the house.>

: a statement of the equality of two ratios (as {frac4/2} = {frac10/5})

: a fair or just share <I did my proportion of the work.>

: size, shape, or extent of something <It was a crisis of large proportions.>