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 comparative part, share; comparative relation, relative size. XIV (not fully current before XVI). — (O)F. proportion or L. prōportiō, -ōn-, derived from phr. prō portiōne proportionally, i.e. prō PRO-1 + abl. of portiō PORTION.
So vb. make proportionate. XIV. — (O)F. or medL. prōportiōnāre. proportionable XIV. — Late L. proportional XIV (sb.). — L. proportionate XIV. — Late L.

proportion. In architecture, a system of relationships of parts to each other and to the whole, often governed by a standard unit of length called a module based e.g. on half the diameter of a Classical column.

Bibliography

Kruft (1994);
Scholfield (1958);
Wittkower (1998)

proportion Mathematical relation of equality between two ratios, having the form a/b = c/d. A continued proportion is a group of three or more quantities, each bearing the same ratio to its successor, as in 1:3:9:27:81.

proportion. Conception in medieval mus. theory of relationship between vibration nos. of notes and also between their time-signatures in mensural notation expressed by fractions.