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proportion
/prəˈpɔːr.ʃən/
relative size or amount
The proportion of men to women in the class was roughly equal.
The number of men compared to women in the class was about the same.
neutral
A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.
Water makes up a large proportion of the human body.
The human body contains a significant amount of water relative to its total mass.
The proportion of students passing the exam increased this year.
A higher percentage of students successfully passed the exam compared to last year.
Often used in statistics, mathematics, and general descriptions of relationships between quantities.
formal
The correct or harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole.
The painting's proportions were perfectly balanced.
The sizes and arrangements of elements in the painting were in ideal harmony.
Common in art, design, and architecture to describe aesthetic balance.
formal
A single person or thing compared to the whole.
The proportion of red marbles to blue marbles was 3 to 2.
For every 3 red marbles, there were 2 blue marbles.
Used in ratios and mathematical comparisons.
Collocations
in proportion torelative toout of proportiondisproportionatedirect proportionlinear relationshipinverse proportionreciprocal relationship
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy
Do not use 'proportion' when 'percentage' or 'ratio' would be clearer. For example, say '30% of the class' instead of 'a 30% proportion of the class'.
Gold Rule
Use with 'to' or 'of'
When describing relationships, use 'proportion to' (e.g., 'in proportion to the increase in size') or 'proportion of' (e.g., 'a small proportion of the population').
Word Origin
From Latin *proportio* ("comparative relation"), from *pro-* ("for") + *portio* ("share, part"). Entered English in the 14th century via Old French *proportion*.
Usage Notes
Avoid confusing with 'portion' (a part of a whole) or 'proportional' (adjective form). 'Proportion' emphasizes the relationship between parts, not just the parts themselves.
Word Breakdown
pro-
forward, in favor of
prefix-port-
share, part
root-ion
act or state of
suffixEnglish Dictionary