Ratio

Definition

Ratio refers to the quantitative relationship between two numbers, indicating how many times one value contains or is contained within the other.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈreɪʃioʊ/
• Respelling: RAY-shee-oh (with "RAY" as in "ray," "shee" as in "she," and "oh" as in "no")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈreɪʃioʊ/
• Respelling: RAY-shee-oh (similar to American English, with "RAY" as in "ray," "shee" as in "she," and "oh" as in "no")

In both dialects, "ratio" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, "RAY." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "RAY" syllable.

Etymology

The term "ratio" originates from the Latin word ratio, which means "reason" or "calculation." Over time, it came to represent the relationship between two numbers or quantities.

Derivatives

• Ratiocinate
• Ratiocination
• Ratiocinative
• Ratioed
• Proportional

Synonyms

• Proportion
• Relationship
• Quotient

Antonyms

• None

Usage

"Ratio" is predominantly used in mathematics, finance, and science to describe the relationship between two quantities. It serves as a tool to compare magnitudes and understand the relative difference or similarity between them.

Related Terms

• Golden ratio
• Aspect ratio
• Gear ratio
• Current ratio
• Price-earnings ratio

Detailed Definition

Noun

• A comparison of the sizes of two quantities using division, expressed as two numbers separated by a colon or as a fraction.
• Example: The ratio of boys to girls in the class is 2:1.

• The relative size or number of two quantities, expressed as the quotient of one divided by the other.
• Example: The debt-to-equity ratio for the company is 0.5.