Ratio
UK /["/ˈreɪʃiəʊ/"]/US /["/ˈreɪʃiəʊ/"]/
Definition
the relationship between two groups of people or things that is represented by two numbers showing how much larger one group is than the other
In simple words: The relationship between two numbers showing how much of one there is compared to the other.
Examples
- The ratio of students to teachers in the school is quite favorable.
- To solve the problem, we need to find the ratio of the areas of the two triangles.
- The diet recommends a low carbohydrate to high protein ratio for optimal health.
- In this experiment, the ratio of success to failure was remarkably high.
- The financial analysts discussed the profit to loss ratio extensively.
- A higher ratio of revenue to expenses indicates a more profitable business.
- In mathematics, the notion of ratio is crucial for understanding proportions.
- When mixing the paint, keep a two-to-one ratio of blue to yellow.
Usage notes
Used in mathematics, sciences, and discussions about comparisons. Avoid in casual conversation unless the context is clear.
Grammar pattern
ratio + of + object
Memory hint
Think of 'ratio' as 'rate-shoe'; imagine a pair of shoes representing two different quantities.
Collocations
- high
- low
- gender
- achieve
- have
- improve
- improve
- worsen
- differ
- in a/the ratio
- ratio between
- ratio of something to something
Synonyms
- proportion
- fraction
- comparison
- relation
- rate
Antonyms
- disproportion
- imbalance
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'proportion'; 'ratio' refers to the relationship compared to each other.
- Using 'ratio' in non-numeric contexts; it is primarily a numerical term.
- Mispronouncing 'ratio' as 'rat-io'; the correct pronunciation emphasizes 'ra-'.