n. 1. A part or amount considered in relation to a whole: What is the proportion of helium in the atmosphere? 2. A relationship between things or parts of things with respect to comparative magnitude, quantity, or degree: the proper proportion between oil and vinegar in the dressing. 3. A relationship between quantities such that if one varies then another varies in a manner dependent on the first: "We do not always find visible happiness in proportion to visible virtue" (Samuel Johnson). 4. The agreeable or harmonious relation of parts within a whole: The statue seems out of proportion. 5. often proportions Dimensions; size: First measure the proportions of the room. 6. Mathematics A statement of equality between two ratios. Four quantities, a, b, c, d, are said to be in proportion if a/b = c/d . tr.v. pro·por·tioned, pro·por·tion·ing, pro·por·tions 1. To adjust so that proper relations between parts are attained: Have you proportioned the oil in the dressing properly? 2. To form the parts of with balance or symmetry: The artist proportioned the figure nicely. [Middle English proporcion, from Old French proportion, from Latin prōportiō, prōportiōn-, from prō portiōne, according to (each) part : prō, according to; see PRO-1 + portiōne, ablative of portiō, part; see perə-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] pro·portion·a·ble adj. pro·portion·a·bly adv. pro·portion·er n. pro·portion·ment n. |
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