ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fraction

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈfɹækʃən// UK //fɹˈækʃən// frac·tion Archaic General-service

n. a small part or amount of something. In math, it is a number that represents a part of a whole, like 1/2 or 3/4.

n. a numerical representation of a portion of a whole, or more broadly, a small or tiny proportion of a larger amount. In chemistry and physics, it refers to a component of a mixture separated by a process like distillation.


SIMPLE

Only a small fraction of the students failed the test.

CONTEXTUAL

The company managed to reduce its energy costs by a significant fraction after installing solar panels.

COMPLEX

During the refining process, crude oil is separated into different fractions based on their boiling points, allowing for the production of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Often used with the preposition 'of' to indicate the whole from which the part is taken.

© 2026 English Reference