Definition of proportion
1 : harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole : balance, symmetry
2a : proper or equal share each did her proportion of the workb : 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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Examples of proportion in a Sentence
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.
Origin and Etymology of proportion
Middle English proporcion, from Anglo-French, from Latin proportion-, proportio, from pro for + portion-, portio portion — more at for
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
14th Century
First Known Use of proportion
14th century
PROPORTION Defined for English Language Learners
proportion
playDefinition of proportion for English Language Learners
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: an amount that is a part of a whole
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: the relationship that exists between the size, number, or amount of two things
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: the correct or appropriate relationship between the size, shape, and position of the different parts of something
PROPORTION Defined for Kids
proportion
playDefinition of proportion for Students
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.
Learn More about proportion
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See words that rhyme with proportion Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for proportion Spanish Central: Translation of proportion Nglish: Translation of proportion for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of proportion for Arabic speakers
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