I. prəˈpōrshən, prōˈ-, -pȯr-, -pōəsh-, -pȯ(ə)sh- sometimes by r- dissimilation pəˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English proporcioun, from Middle French proportion, from Latin proportion-, proportio, from pro for + portion-, portio part, share, portion — more at for , portion
1.
a. : the relation of one part to another or to the whole with respect to magnitude, quantity, or degree : relative size : ratio
the proportions of local, domestic, governmental, and foreign news have never been set — F.L.Mott
winter rainfall decreases, and … summer rainfall increases, until at the eastern margin the proportion is reversed — F.E.Egler
b. archaic : comparison , analogy
2.
a. : harmonious relation of parts to each other or to the whole : balance , symmetry
finely molded cornice in correct classic proportion — American Guide Series: Minnesota
b. : reasonable or desirable estimation or assignment of relative value
the more responsible … journals will either redress the wrong or treat it with proportion and humor — Jean Hills
3. : the equality of two ratios : a relation among quantities such that the quotient of the first divided by the second equals that of the third divided by the fourth (as 4:2.10:5 or 4/2.10/5 or 4:2::10:5) — called also geometrical proportion
4.
a. : proper or equal share : lot
the proportion of sago flour allotted to different members of the … labor group — R.W.Firth
b. : a portion or share of an actual or implied whole having a size or value relative to other portions or shares : quota , percentage
felt anger and fear in equal proportions
a much higher proportion of young people are going to high school and beyond — Walter Lippmann
5.
a. archaic : form , shape
b. : size , degree , dimension
eddies, some of which are small and some of oceanic proportions — R.E.Coker
6. : the act of dividing proportionately ; specifically : the modification of the normal note values in mensural notation of music by diminution or augmentation according to a fractional arithmetic ratio
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- in proportion
- out of proportion
II. transitive verb
( proportioned ; proportioned ; proportioning -sh(ə)niŋ ; proportions )
Etymology: Middle English proporciounen, from Middle French proportionner, from proportion, n.
1. : to adjust (a part or thing) in size relative to other parts or things : regulate the relative size of the parts of
the duty of the older man to proportion his pace to the … course of his master — Francis Hackett
2. : to make the parts of harmonious or correspondent or symmetrical : give pleasing or appropriate proportions to
3. obsolete : to be proportionate to : equal in value or importance
his ransom, which must proportion the losses we have borne — Shakespeare
4. obsolete : to divide into or distribute in shares
5. obsolete : apportion
6. obsolete : to estimate the proportions of : compare