Proportion: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when comparing part to whole or determining the relative amount of something in relation to a whole.

• The proportion of students who passed the exam was high.
• Please ensure the proportions of ingredients in the recipe are accurate.

Commonly used to compare two quantities to show their relative sizes or amounts.

• The ratio of teachers to students is 1:20.
• Adjust the water to flour ratio to get the right dough consistency.

Typically used in mathematics to describe a part of a whole represented by a numerator and denominator.

• She spent only a small fraction of her income on entertainment.
• In math class, we learned how to add fractions.

Refers to the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected or interact with each other. Can be used in personal, professional, or conceptual contexts.

• Their business relationship has been beneficial for both parties.
• There's a direct relationship between exercise and health.

Typically used when discussing the relationship between parts of a whole, especially in terms of size, amount, or degree.

• The artist paid careful attention to the proportions of the human body in her drawings
• The proportion of sugar in this recipe is critical to achieving the right consistency

Best used when referring to an even distribution or maintaining stability among different elements.

• Work-life balance is essential for a healthy lifestyle
• The gymnast kept her balance on the narrow beam

Ideal for describing a pleasing or congruent arrangement of different elements, often used in the context of music, relationships, or aesthetics.

• The room was decorated in colors that created a sense of harmony
• The choir’s voices blended in perfect harmony

Best used when discussing balanced and identical proportions on opposite sides of an axis, often in geometry or art.

• The symmetry of the butterfly’s wings is mesmerizing
• The symmetrical design of the building appeals to many architects

Also used similarly to the first 'proportion' entry, emphasizing the comparative aspect between parts.

• The proportion of men to women in the company has improved
• Pay attention to the proportion of ingredients in the formula

Used when expressing a number as a part of a hundred. Common in statistical analysis and financial contexts.

• A high percentage of employees prefer remote work
• The percentage increase in sales was impressive

Refers to a part of something physical or abstract, often used when dividing food or talking about shares.

• She took a large portion of the cake
• A portion of the profits will be donated to charity

Refers to a part of a whole, often used in mathematical settings and when something is divided into smaller parts.

• She ate a fraction of the pizza
• Understanding fractions is essential in elementary math