# proportion

/pɹəˈpɔɹʃən/ (US) · /pɹəpˈɔːʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/proportion
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a part of a whole

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a part or share of a total amount.

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

- A large proportion of the students live in the city centre.
- 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. relative size or ratio

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

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

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

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

### 3. balance and harmony

noun · CEFR B2

the correct or pleasing relationship between the parts of something.

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

- The statue's head is too small, so it looks out of proportion.
- The designer focused on achieving perfect proportion in the living room, ensuring the furniture didn't overwhelm the space.

### 4. physical size

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The rescue operation reached massive proportions as more volunteers arrived.
- The crisis has reached such proportions that international intervention is now considered a necessity.

Usage: Typically used in the plural: 'proportions'.

### 5. to adjust to a scale

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal

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

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

- The punishment should be proportioned to the crime.
- 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'.

## Examples

- A large proportion of the students live near the school.
- The architect carefully adjusted the proportion of the windows to ensure the building looked balanced from the street.
- While the total number of applicants has increased, the proportion of successful candidates remains remarkably consistent with previous years, suggesting that the selection criteria have not significantly changed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.