Definition Definition

proportion - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'proportion' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Proportion [ n.]
- The relation or adaptation of one portion to another, or to the whole, as respect magnitude, quantity, or degree; comparative relation; ratio; as, the proportion of the parts of a building, or of the body.
- Harmonic relation between parts, or between different things of the same kind; symmetrical arrangement or adjustment; symmetry; as, to be out of proportion.
- The portion one receives when a whole is distributed by a rule or principle; equal or proper share; lot.
- A part considered comparatively; a share.
- The equality or similarity of ratios, especially of geometrical ratios; or a relation among quantities such that the quotient of the first divided by the second is equal to that of the third divided by the fourth; -- called also geometrical proportion, in distinction from arithmetical proportion, or that in which the difference of the first and second is equal to the difference of the third and fourth.
- The rule of three, in arithmetic, in which the three given terms, together with the one sought, are proportional.
2 . Proportion [ v.]
- To adjust in a suitable proportion, as one thing or one part to another; as, to proportion the size of a building to its height; to proportion our expenditures to our income.
- To form with symmetry or suitableness, as the parts of the body.
- To divide into equal or just shares; to apportion.

Meaning of 'proportion' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . proportion [ n]
Meaning (1):
- magnitude or extent
Example in sentence:
  • a building of vast proportions
Meaning (2):
- the relation between things (or parts of things) with respect to their comparative quantity, magnitude, or degree
Example in sentence:
  • a dry martini has a large proportion of gin;
  • an inordinate proportion of the book is given over to quotations
Meaning (3):
- harmonious arrangement or relation of parts or elements within a whole (as in a design)
Example in sentence:
  • in all perfectly beautiful objects there is found the opposition of one part to another and a reciprocal balance
4 . proportion [ v]
Meaning (4):
- give pleasant proportions to
Example in sentence:
  • harmonize a building with those surrounding it