Proportion
nounA part or share of a whole, especially considered in relation to the total.
How to spell proportion
10 letters · 3 syllables
How to pronounce proportion
Say the part in capitals loudest.
What does proportion mean?
- nounA part or share of a whole, especially considered in relation to the total.
- nounThe correct or pleasing relationship in size, shape, or degree between things.
Proportion in a sentence
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A large proportion of the budget went on staff salaries.
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The architect praised the building for its elegant proportion and clean lines.
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Only a small proportion of applicants were invited to interview.
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Her reaction was completely out of proportion with the minor mistake.
Where does proportion come from?
Language of origin: Latin
Proportion comes from the Latin proportio, which described the relationship of one part to another, literally the idea of something being measured 'for its portion'. It was built from the phrase pro portione, meaning 'according to each part's share', where pro means 'for' or 'in relation to' and portio means 'a share or portion'. The word reached English in the late 1300s through Old French proportion, carrying mathematical and architectural senses about balance and comparative size. Its close relative 'portion' shares the same portio root, which is also why the spelling keeps the familiar -portion ending. Over time the word broadened from strict ratios into everyday talk of relative amounts and pleasing balance, so a sculptor speaking of good proportion and an accountant speaking of a proportion of revenue both draw on the same ancient sense of parts measured against a whole.
How the word is built
- pro- (for, in relation to)
- portion (from portio: a share or part)
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