proportion
pro·por·tion / prəˈpôrshən/ • n. a part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole: the proportion of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is rising. ∎ the relationship of one thing to another in terms of quantity, size, or number; the ratio: the proportion of exams to schoolwork the bleach can be diluted with water in the proportion one part bleach to ten parts water. ∎ (proportions) the comparative measurements or size of different parts of a whole: the view of what constitutes perfect bodily proportions changes from one generation to the next. ∎ (proportions) dimensions; size: the room, despite its ample proportions, seemed too small for him. ∎ the correct, attractive, or ideal relationship in size or shape between one thing and another or between the parts of a whole: perceptions of color, form, harmony, and proportion.• v. [tr.] formal adjust or regulate (something) so that it has a particular or suitable relationship to something else: a life after death in which happiness can be proportioned to virtue.PHRASES: in proportion according to a particular relationship in size, amount, or degree: each region was represented in proportion to its population. ∎ in comparison with; in relation to: the cuckoo's eggs are unusually small in proportion to its size. ∎ in the correct or appropriate relation to the size, shape, or position of other things: her figure was completely in proportion. ∎ correctly or realistically regarded in terms of relative importance or seriousness: the problem has to be kept in proportion.out of proportion in the wrong relation to the size, shape, or position of other things: the sculpture seemed out of proportion to its surroundings. ∎ greater or more serious than is necessary or appropriate: the award was out of all proportion to the alleged libel. ∎ wrongly or unrealistically regarded in terms of relative importance or seriousness.sense of proportion the ability to judge the relative importance or seriousness of things.DERIVATIVES: pro·por·tion·less adj.
proportion
So vb. make proportionate. XIV. — (O)F. or medL. prōportiōnāre. proportionable XIV. — Late L. proportional XIV (sb.). — L. proportionate XIV. — Late L.
proportion
Bibliography
Kruft (1994);
Scholfield (1958);
Wittkower (1998)