I. -shən ə l, -shnəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English proporcional, from Latin proportionalis, from proportion-, proportio proportion + -alis -al
1.
a. : being in proportion : corresponding in size, degree, or intensity : proportionate — used with to
rushed into freedom and enjoyment … with an energy proportional to their previous restraint — G.L.Dickinson
b. : having the same or a constant ratio
2. : of, relating to, or used in determining proportions
windows were widened for proportional consideration
proportional compasses
3. : regulated or determined in size or degree with reference to proportions
proportional system of immigration quotas
• pro·por·tion·al·ly -shən ə lē, -shnəlē, -i adverb
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a number or quantity in a proportion
2. obsolete : equivalent 2