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| pro·por·tion [ prə páwrsh'n ] |
noun (plural pro·por·tions) |
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| Definition: |
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1. part of whole: a quantity of something that is part of the whole amount or number
  What proportion of their time is spent on administration?
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2. relationship between quantities: the relationship between two or more amounts or numbers, or between the parts of a whole
The proportion of trucks to cars on the road has remained the same.
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3. relative size: the correct or desirable relationship of size, quantity, or degree between two or more things or parts of something
An understanding of proportion is essential for an architect.
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4. relative importance: the importance of different aspects of a situation when compared with each other
The media blew the incident all out of proportion.
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5. mathematics ratio: a relationship between two variables that remains fixed
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6. mathematics equality of two ratios: a relationship of equality between two ratios, in which the first term divided by the second equals the third divided by the fourth, as in 1/2 = ³⁄₆
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plural noun pro·por·tions |
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| Definition: |
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1. size of something: the size or shape of something
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2. importance of something: the importance or seriousness of something
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transitive verb (past and past participle pro·por·tioned, present participle pro·por·tion·ing, 3rd person present singular pro·por·tions) |
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| Definition: |
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1. maintain relationship between things: to create or maintain a relationship of size, quantity, or degree between two or more things
The arms and body of the sweater had been badly proportioned.
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2. balance something: to give something a pleasing shape, appropriate dimensions, or a harmonious arrangement of parts
(
usually passive
)
a beautifully proportioned design
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| [14th century. Directly or via French< Latin proportion-< pro portione "according to (each) part" < portion- "part, portion"] |
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