Proportion: meaning, definitions and examples

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proportion

[prəˈpɔːʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mathematics

A proportional relationship between two quantities, where they have a constant ratio.

Synonyms

fraction, ratio, relationship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
proportion	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.
ratio	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.
fraction	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.
relationship	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.

Examples of usage

The proportion of boys to girls in the class is 3:2.
The recipe calls for a proportion of 2 cups of flour to 1 cup of sugar.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

art

The relative size, scale, or extent of different elements within a whole.

Synonyms

balance, harmony, symmetry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
proportion	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
balance	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
harmony	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
symmetry	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

Examples of usage

The artist paid careful attention to the proportion of the human figure in the painting.
The building's proportions were aesthetically pleasing.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

statistics

A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.

Synonyms

fraction, percentage, portion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
proportion	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
percentage	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
portion	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
fraction	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

Examples of usage

The proportion of people who preferred option A was higher than expected.
What proportion of the budget should be allocated to marketing?

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

In math, proportion helps us compare numbers, like saying 2 is to 4 as 1 is to 2.
It’s used in geometry to find similar shapes, which have the same proportions but different sizes.
A common proportion in art is the 'Golden Ratio,' a special number that creates balance and beauty in designs.

Art

Many artists use specific proportions to ensure their work looks harmonious and balanced.
The Renaissance brought the concept of ideal human proportions, famously studied by Leonardo da Vinci in his 'Vitruvian Man.'
In sculpture, artists carefully manage proportions to create realistic figures that accurately reflect human anatomy.

Cultural References

The phrase 'a stitch in time saves nine' highlights the proportion of effort to save future work, emphasizing early action.
In cooking, proportions are crucial for recipes to ensure flavors balance; adding too much or too little can ruin a dish.
In music, proportional rhythms influence how notes are played together, creating a pleasing sound.

Science

In biology, the study of proportions helps understand relationships like predator-prey dynamics in ecosystems.
Chemistry relies on proportions in reactions; for instance, the right proportion of substances is needed for a chemical reaction to occur.
In health and nutrition, the proportion of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats) in a diet affects overall well-being.

Translations

Translations of the word "proportion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 proporção

🇮🇳 अनुपात

🇩🇪 Verhältnis

🇮🇩 proporsi

🇺🇦 пропорція

🇵🇱 proporcja

🇯🇵 割合

🇫🇷 proportion

🇪🇸 proporción

🇹🇷 oran

🇰🇷 비율

🇸🇦 نسبة

🇨🇿 proporce

🇸🇰 proporcia

🇨🇳 比例

🇸🇮 delež

🇮🇸 hlutfall

🇰🇿 пропорция

🇬🇪 პროპორცია

🇦🇿 nisbət

🇲🇽 proporción

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,310, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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1307 possession
1308 properly
1309 contain
1310 proportion
1311 milk
1312 conclusion
1313 views
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