B2noun2K

Proportion

UK /["/prəˈpɔːʃn/"]/US /["/prəˈpɔːrʃn/"]/

Definition

a part or share of a whole

In simple words: A part or share of something in relation to the whole.

Examples

  • The proportion of students passing the exam increased this year.
  • It's important to keep a healthy proportion of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
  • In art, the proportion of different elements can drastically affect the composition.
  • The proportion of the population living in urban areas has grown significantly.
  • He expressed his feelings in proportion to his relationship with her.

Usage notes

Use 'proportion' to discuss ratios or relationships between different amounts. Often appropriate in mathematics, statistics, and discussions about fairness. Avoid in casual conversation when not discussing specific comparisons.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'pro' in proportion as being for fairness—like a pro athlete sharing equally with teammates.

Collocations

  • appreciable
  • considerable
  • good
  • calculate
  • estimate
  • express something as
  • grow
  • increase
  • rise
  • correct
  • direct
  • inverse
  • keep something in
  • in proportion (to)
  • out of proportion (to)
  • proportion of something to something
  • be blown, exaggerated, etc. out of all proportion
  • be blown, exaggerated, etc. out of proportion
  • a sense of proportion
  • correct
  • direct
  • inverse
  • keep something in
  • in proportion (to)
  • out of proportion (to)
  • proportion of something to something
  • be blown, exaggerated, etc. out of all proportion
  • be blown, exaggerated, etc. out of proportion
  • a sense of proportion
  • biblical
  • enormous
  • epic
  • reach

Synonyms

  • ratio
  • fraction
  • part
  • share
  • division

Antonyms

  • disproportion
  • inequality

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'portion', which refers to a part of something, but not in a comparative sense.
  • Using 'proportion' in the plural form incorrectly; it is usually uncountable.
  • Mixing up 'proportion' and 'proportional', which has a different grammatical function.