proportion
|pro-por-tion|
🇺🇸
/prəˈpɔrʃən/
🇬🇧
/prəˈpɔːʃən/
comparative relation
Etymology
'proportion' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'proportio,' where 'pro-' meant 'for' and 'portio' meant 'part or share.'
'proportio' transformed into the Old French word 'proportion,' and eventually became the modern English word 'proportion' through Middle English.
Initially, it meant 'a part or share,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a comparative relation between parts or quantities.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.
The proportion of students who passed the exam was higher this year.
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Noun 2
the relationship of one thing to another in terms of quantity, size, or number; ratio.
The proportion of sugar to flour in the recipe is 1:2.
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Noun 3
the correct or appropriate relationship between the size, shape, and position of the different parts of something.
The architect ensured the building's proportions were aesthetically pleasing.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40