proportion
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a part or share of a total amount.
n.a portion or quantity of something considered in relation to the whole. Often used with the preposition 'of'.
Simple“A large proportion of the students live in the city centre.”
In context“A significant proportion of the annual budget is allocated to research and development, reflecting the company's commitment to innovation.”
UsageCommonly follows 'a [adjective] proportion of [noun]'.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the relationship between the size, amount, or importance of two things.
n.the comparative relation between things or magnitudes as to size, quantity, or degree.
Simple“The proportion of sugar to flour in this recipe is very high.”
In context“The architect adjusted the proportion of the windows to the wall surface to ensure the building didn't look too heavy.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'to'.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the correct or pleasing relationship between the parts of something.
n.the harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole. Uncountable in this abstract sense.
Simple“The statue's head is too small, so it looks out of proportion.”
In context“The designer focused on achieving perfect proportion in the living room, ensuring the furniture didn't overwhelm the space.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
n.the size or scale of something, especially when it is very large.
n.the dimensions or size of an object or situation. Almost always used in the plural form.
Simple“The rescue operation reached massive proportions as more volunteers arrived.”
In context“The crisis has reached such proportions that international intervention is now considered a necessity.”
UsageTypically used in the plural: 'proportions'.
Synonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
v.to adjust something so that it fits or matches something else in size or amount.
v.to adjust or regulate something so that it has a suitable or relative relationship to something else. Transitive use.
Simple“The punishment should be proportioned to the crime.”
In context“The architect carefully proportioned the columns to match the height of the ceiling, creating a sense of classical grandeur.”
UsageOften used in the passive voice: 'to be proportioned to'.
Usage considerable proportion · contain proportion · direct proportion
“Researchers said the high proportion of intrapartum stillbirths raises concerns about the quality and timeliness of care women receive during labour and delivery.”
“In other words, there will be lots more people qualifying for the state pension, and fewer working people, as a proportion, paying taxes into the pot to cover the bill.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.