Proportion

Definition

Proportion refers to a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole, or the relationship between numbers or amounts.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prəˈpɔrʃən/
• Respelling: pruh-POR-shuhn (with "pruh" as in "prune," "POR" as in "port," and "shuhn" as in "mission")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prəˈpɔːʃən/
• Respelling: pruh-POR-shuhn (similar to American English, with "pruh" as in "prune," "POR" as in "port," and "shuhn" as in "mission")

In both dialects, the stress is on the second syllable, "POR." The main difference lies in the length of the "O" sound in the British pronunciation, which is slightly longer.

Etymology

The term "proportion" comes from the Latin word "proportio", which means "comparative relation, analogy". Derived from "pro-", meaning "for" and "portio", meaning "part".

Derivatives

• Proportional
• Proportionate
• Proportionality
• Proportionally
• Proportioned

Synonyms

• Ratio
• Relation
• Fraction

Antonyms

• Imbalance
• Disproportion
• Mismatch

Usage

"Proportion" is commonly used in mathematics, art, and design to indicate the comparative relationship between parts and a whole or between different entities.

Related Terms

• Scale
• Balance
• Symmetry

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.
• Example: The proportion of women to men in the company is 3:5.

• The relationship of one thing to another in terms of quantity, size, or number.
• Example: The proportion of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased over the years.

• The correct or pleasing relation of things or between the parts of a whole.
• Example: The artist had an instinctive sense of correct proportion.