proportion

verb

proportioned; proportioning prə-ˈpȯr-sh(ə-)niŋ 

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

: apportion, allot

Examples of proportion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, these dresses aren’t always proportioned correctly for a petite body type. —Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026

Bathrooms are generously proportioned—double vanities, soaking tubs, separate showers. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Since most tops aren’t proportioned for petites, I'm often left with ill-fitting sleeves and necklines that are way too low. —Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026

This looks well-proportioned and contains a vanity sink, a walk-in shower, a flushing toilet, and a washer/dryer. —Adam Williams april 22, New Atlas, 22 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing proportion

• blow out of proportion
• get out of proportion
• in proportion
• in proportion to
• keep things in proportion
• out of proportion with

Rhymes for proportion

• abortion
• apportion
• contortion
• distortion
• extortion
• disproportion
• portion
• torsion

Kids Definition

proportion

1 of 2 noun

pro·​por·​tion p(r)ə-ˈpōr-shən 

-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