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Proportional Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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proportional

[prəˈpɔːrʃənl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

mathematics

Having a constant ratio or relation between two quantities. In other words, as one quantity increases, the other quantity also increases in a consistent and proportional manner.

Synonyms

commensurate, corresponding, proportionate, relative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
proportional

When you wish to indicate a direct relationship between two quantities, where a change in one results in a change in the other at a constant rate.

  • The amount of paint needed is proportional to the surface area to be painted
  • Income tax is usually proportional to earnings
corresponding

In situations where you need to highlight a direct relationship or similarity to something else often in terms of position, function, or amount.

  • Each student was given a corresponding number
  • The rise in product prices led to a corresponding increase in costs
relative

Used when drawing comparisons between two things, often to show how they are related in terms of size, importance, or degree.

  • Your progress is relative to how much work you put in
  • The importance of an event is relative to the person's perspective
commensurate

When discussing something that fits or matches in size, degree, or duration with another thing, ensuring fair or suitable correspondence.

  • Her salary is commensurate with her experience and skills
  • The punishment should be commensurate with the crime committed
proportionate

When expressing that something is properly balanced in size, amount, or degree relative to another thing, ensuring fair size or amount.

  • Rewards should be proportionate to the effort put in
  • The response must be proportionate to the severity of the issue

Examples of usage

  • The length of a rectangle is proportional to its width.
  • The speed of a moving object is directly proportional to the force applied.
  • As the temperature rises, the volume of a gas expands proportionally.
Context #2 | Adjective

general

Being in proportion or harmony with something else. Referring to a balanced or appropriate relationship between different parts.

Synonyms

appropriate, balanced, harmonious, symmetrical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
proportional

Best used when talking about quantities or sizes that maintain a consistent ratio or relationship to one another.

  • The punishment should be proportional to the crime.
  • Their salaries were proportional to their experience.
balanced

Used when referring to something that is evenly distributed or fair, often related to diet, lifestyle, or viewpoints.

  • She maintains a balanced diet.
  • The article presented a balanced view of the issue.
appropriate

Fits in situations where something is suitable or proper in given circumstances.

  • Wearing a suit is appropriate for a job interview.
  • His reaction was appropriate given the situation.
harmonious

Describes things that are free of conflict or that create a pleasing arrangement, often used in music or relationships.

  • The team worked in a harmonious manner.
  • The choir delivered a harmonious performance.
symmetrical

Refers to something that is the same on both sides of a central line; often used in geometry, art, and nature.

  • The building’s design is perfectly symmetrical.
  • She appreciated the symmetrical arrangement of the garden.

Examples of usage

  • She believes in a proportional distribution of resources among all team members.
  • The punishment should be proportional to the crime committed.
  • There should be a proportional representation of different cultures in the media.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In math, when two quantities increase at the same rate, they are called directly proportional.
  • In geometry, similar shapes maintain proportional dimensions, which means their sides and angles are related in a consistent way.
  • The concept of proportions is foundational in creating scale models, allowing them to represent real-life objects accurately.

Visual Arts

  • Artists use proportionality to create balanced and harmonious compositions in painting and sculpture.
  • The 'Golden Ratio' is a special proportion often found in nature and art, offering a pleasing aesthetic perceived by humans.
  • Proportionality in art ensures that objects appear realistic and relatable to the viewer, contributing to the artwork's effectiveness.

Science

  • In biology, growth rates of organisms can be proportional in relation to their body size or environment.
  • The principle of homeostasis often relies on proportional changes in bodily functions to maintain balance.
  • Chemical reactions can exhibit proportional relationships between reactants, significantly impacting calculations in stoichiometry.

Economics

  • Market supply and demand typically demonstrate proportional relationships that influence pricing.
  • The principle of proportional taxation suggests that if income doubles, the tax paid should also double if the rate stays the same.
  • Economic models often use proportional relationships to predict spending and growth rates in economies.

Education

  • Teachers might use proportional reasoning to help students understand relationships between numbers and measurements.
  • Curriculums include the study of ratios and proportions to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Proportional relationships are often practiced in cooking when adjusting recipes according to serving sizes.

Origin of 'proportional'

The word 'proportional' originates from the Latin word 'proportionalis', which is derived from the word 'proportio' meaning 'comparative relation'. The concept of proportion has been fundamental in mathematics and art for centuries, with early mathematicians like Euclid exploring the principles of proportion. The term has evolved to encompass various contexts beyond mathematics, highlighting the importance of balance and harmony in different aspects of life.

See also: disproportion, disproportionally, disproportionate, disproportionately, proportionally, proportionate, proportionately, proportions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,446, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.