proportion /prəˈpɔːʃ(ə)n /
▸ noun a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole:
the proportion of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is rising.
[emoji830] the relationship of one thing to another in terms of quantity, size, or number; ratio:
the proportion of examination to coursework
the bleach can be diluted with water in the proportion one part bleach to ten parts water.
[emoji830] (proportions) the comparative measurements or size of different parts of a whole:
the view of what constitutes perfect bodily proportions changes from one generation to the next.
[emoji830] (proportions) dimensions; size:
the room, despite its ample proportions, seemed too small for him.
[emoji830] [mass noun] the correct, attractive, or ideal relationship between one thing and another or between the parts of a whole:
perceptions of colour, form, harmony, and proportion.
▸ verb [with obj.] formal adjust or regulate (something) so that it has a particular or suitable relationship to something else:
a life after death in which happiness can be proportioned to virtue.
– PHRASES
in proportion
1
according to a particular relationship in size, amount, or degree:
the pension was docked in proportion to earnings.
[emoji830]
in comparison with; in relation to:
the cuckoo's eggs are unusually small in proportion to its size.
2
in the correct or appropriate relation to the size, shape, or position of other things:
her figure was completely in proportion.
[emoji830]
correctly or realistically regarded in terms of relative importance or seriousness:
the problem of hooliganism has to be kept in proportion.
out of proportion
in the wrong relation to the size, shape, or position of other things:
the sculpture seemed out of proportion to its surroundings.
[emoji830]
wrongly or unrealistically regarded in terms of relative importance or seriousness:
you're getting things completely out of proportion—my decision had nothing to do with him.
the award was out of all proportion to the alleged libel.
sense of proportion
the ability to judge the relative importance or seriousness of things:
just talking about it will help you to keep a sense of proportion.
– ORIGIN late Middle English: from Old French, from Latin proportio(n-), from pro portione ‘in respect of (its or a person's) share’.
