proportion Definition
- 1a part or share of a whole
- 2the relationship in size, amount, or degree between different things
Using proportion: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "proportion" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The proportion of men to women in the class is roughly equal.
Example
The proportion of sugar to flour in the recipe is 1:3.
Example
The proportion of people who voted in the election was very high.
proportion Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for proportion
Antonyms for proportion
Phrases with proportion
not in the correct or expected relation to something else
Example
The media coverage of the incident was completely out of proportion to its actual importance.
in the correct or expected relation to something else
Example
The amount of time spent on each task should be in proportion to its importance.
an electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes cast for them
Example
Many countries use proportional representation to ensure that all political parties are represented in government.
Origins of proportion
from Latin 'proportio', meaning 'comparative relation'
Summary: proportion in Brief
The term 'proportion' [prəˈpɔːʃən] refers to a part or share of a whole, or the relationship in size, amount, or degree between different things. It can be used to describe ratios, percentages, and fractions, as well as the correct or expected relation between things. Examples include 'The proportion of sugar to flour in the recipe is 1:3.' and 'The amount of time spent on each task should be in proportion to its importance.'
