proportion

1 of 2

noun

pro·​por·​tion prə-ˈpȯr-shən How to pronounce proportion (audio)
1
: harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole : balance, symmetry
2
a
: proper or equal share
each did her proportion of the work
3
: the relation of one part to another or to the whole with respect to magnitude, quantity, or degree : ratio
4
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 sense 1b, mean sense 1c

proportion

2 of 2

verb

proportioned; proportioning prə-ˈpȯr-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce proportion (audio)

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
3
Phrases
in proportion

Examples of proportion in a Sentence

Noun His ears were drawn out of proportion with his head. The size of the window seems out of proportion with the height of the wall.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In cities like Toronto, Boston, New York, and Vancouver, buildings can contribute even higher proportions sometimes exceeding 50% of the total greenhouse gas emissions. Ali Hoss, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 While the 58% result for the most recent financial year is heartening, this has been influenced by a higher proportion of women, non-binary and/or gender diverse people in producer roles (61%). Patrick Frater, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
Verb
Rare, monstrously proportioned and strangely shaped, oarfish have sparked myths and legends for centuries. Hannah Peart, NBC News, 17 Nov. 2024 The big surprise of the week is Nina, who turns out a competent look that is proportioned better than most of her looks this season. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 28 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for proportion 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English proporcioun, proporcion "comparative relation in magnitude, ratio," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French proporcion, proporciun, borrowed from Latin prōportiōn-, prōportiō "analogy, proper spatial relation between parts" (Medieval Latin also "comparative relation in magnitude"), univerbation of prō portiōne "in the degree proper to each, proportionately" — more at portion entry 1

Verb

Middle English proporciounen "to compose (a mixture) according to proportions, measure (two things) in relation to each other, form according to proper proportions," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French proporcioner, borrowed from Medieval Latin prōportiōnāre, derivative of Latin prōportiōn-, prōportiō "analogy, proper spatial relation between parts" — more at proportion entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proportion was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near proportion

Cite this Entry

“Proportion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proportion. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

proportion

1 of 2 noun
pro·​por·​tion p(r)ə-ˈpōr-shən How to pronounce proportion (audio)
-ˈpȯr-
1
: the size, number, or amount of one thing or group as compared to the size, number, or amount of another
the proportion of boys to girls in our class is three to one
2
: a balanced or pleasing arrangement
out of proportion
3
: a statement of the equality of two ratios (as ⁴⁄₂ = ¹⁰⁄₅) compare extreme entry 2 sense 2, mean entry 4 sense 2b
4
: a fair or just share
did our proportion of the work
5
: dimension sense 1b
a crisis of large proportions
the proportions of a room

proportion

2 of 2 verb
proportioned; proportioning
-sh(ə-)niŋ
1
: to adjust something to fit with something else
2
: to make the parts of go well with each other

More from Merriam-Webster on proportion

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!