proportional

1 of 2

noun

pro·​por·​tion·​al prə-ˈpȯr-sh(ə-)nəl 

: a number or quantity in a proportion

proportional

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: corresponding in size, degree, or intensity

b

: having the same or a constant ratio

corresponding sides of similar triangles are proportional

2

: regulated or determined in size or degree with reference to proportions

a proportional system of immigration quotas

a proportional font/typeface [=a font/typeface with characters of various widths]

proportionality

prə-ˌpȯr-shə-ˈna-lə-tē 

noun

proportionally

prə-ˈpȯr-shnə-lē 

-shə-nᵊl-ē

adverb

Synonyms of proportional

Adjective

• proportionate
• in proportion
• commensurate
• comparable
• balanced

Examples of proportional in a Sentence

Adjective

The features of the face in the drawing are proportional.

the website's popularity increased exponentially, resulting in a proportional increase in advertising revenue

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

How was this proportional to the situation? — Amy Stoddard, Baltimore Sun, 1 June 2026

Second offense results in a very large fine proportional to the company’s EBITDA. — Jeff Horseman, Oc Register, 5 May 2026

Adjective

But prior to the implementation of the new law, defendants accused of such offenses were often granted release through a proportional bail amount, or even a personal recognizance bond, which meant no upfront money was required for release. — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026

Design should create moments that require active human judgment, with a level of human-AI interaction that is proportional to the gravity of the application. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Late Latin prōportiōnāle, noun derivative from neuter of prōportiōnālis proportional entry 2

Adjective

Middle English proporcional, proporcionel, borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French proporcionel, borrowed from Late Latin prōportiōnālis, from Latin prōportiōn-, prōportiō "analogy, proper spatial relation between parts" + -ālis -al entry 1 — more at proportion entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1570, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing proportional

• directly proportional
• inversely proportional
• mean proportional
• proportional font/typeface
• proportional parts
• proportional representation
• proportional tax

Rhymes for proportional

• torsional

Kids Definition

proportional

adjective

pro·​por·​tion·​al

p(r)ə-ˈpōr-shnəl, 

-ˈpȯr-, 

-shən-ᵊl

1

a

: being equivalent in size, amount, or strength

b

: having the same or a constant ratio

2

: set with reference to proportions

proportionality

-ˌpōr-shə-ˈnal-ət-ē, 

-ˌpȯr-

noun

proportionally

-ˈpōr-shnə-lē, 

-ˈpȯr-, 

-shən-ᵊl-ē

adverb