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proportion

n. · v.
US //pɹəˈpɔɹʃən// UK //pɹəpˈɔːʃən// pro·por·tion
  1. 1 a part of a whole (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    a part or share of a total amount.

    a portion or quantity of something considered in relation to the whole. Often used with the preposition 'of'.

    Example

    A large proportion of the students live in the city centre.

    Example

    A significant proportion of the annual budget is allocated to research and development, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation.

    Usage

    Commonly follows 'a [adjective] proportion of [noun]'.
  2. 2 relative size or ratio (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Math

    the relationship between the size, amount, or importance of two things.

    the comparative relation between things or magnitudes as to size, quantity, or degree.

    Example

    The proportion of sugar to flour in this recipe is very high.

    Example

    The architect adjusted the proportion of the windows to the wall surface to ensure the building didn't look too heavy.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'to'.
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  1. 3 balance and harmony (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Art

    the correct or pleasing relationship between the parts of something.

    the harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole. Uncountable in this abstract sense.

    Example

    The statue's head is too small, so it looks out of proportion.

    Example

    The designer focused on achieving perfect proportion in the living room, ensuring the furniture didn't overwhelm the space.
  2. 4 physical size (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the size or scale of something, especially when it is very large.

    the dimensions or size of an object or situation. Almost always used in the plural form.

    Example

    The rescue operation reached massive proportions as more volunteers arrived.

    Example

    The crisis has reached such proportions that international intervention is now considered a necessity.

    Usage

    Typically used in the plural: 'proportions'.
  3. 5 to adjust to a scale (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal

    to adjust something so that it fits or matches something else in size or amount.

    to adjust or regulate something so that it has a suitable or relative relationship to something else. Transitive use.

    Example

    The punishment should be proportioned to the crime.

    Example

    The architect carefully proportioned the columns to match the height of the ceiling, creating a sense of classical grandeur.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice: 'to be proportioned to'.
Origin

From Middle English proporcion, from Old French proportion, from Latin prōportiō (“comparative relation, proportion, symmetry, analogy”), from pro (“for, before”) + portio (“share, part”); see portion.

Word family
Idioms1 entry

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