First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
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
2
a : proper or equal share <each did her proportion of the work> b : quota, percentage
3
: the relation of one part to another or to the whole with respect to magnitude, quantity, or degree : ratio
5
: 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
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Origin of PROPORTION
Middle English proporcion, from Anglo-French, from Latin proportion-, proportio, from pro for + portion-, portio portion — more at for
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
Rhymes with PROPORTION
2proportion
verb
pro·por·tionedpro·por·tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\
Definition of PROPORTION
transitive verb
1
: to adjust (a part or thing) in size relative to other parts or things
2
: to make the parts of harmonious or symmetrical
First Known Use of PROPORTION
14th century
PROPORTION Defined for Kids
proportion
noun pro·por·tion \prə-ˈpȯr-shən\
Definition of PROPORTION for Kids
1
: 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.>
2
: a balanced or pleasing arrangement <The oversize garage is out of proportion with the house.>
3
: a statement of the equality of two ratios (as {frac4/2} = {frac10/5})
4
: a fair or just share <I did my proportion of the work.>
5
: size, shape, or extent of something <It was a crisis of large proportions.>
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Next Word in the Dictionary: proportionablePrevious Word in the Dictionary: ProponticAll Words Near: proportion
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