proportion: Meaning and Definition of

pro•por•tion

Pronunciation: (pru-pôr'shun, -pōr'-), [key]
— n.
  1. comparative relation between things or magnitudes as to size, quantity, number, etc.; ratio.
  2. proper relation between things or parts: to have tastes way out of proportion to one's financial means.
  3. relative size or extent.
  4. dimensions or size: a rock of gigantic proportions.
  5. a portion or part in its relation to the whole: A large proportion of the debt remains.
  6. symmetry, harmony, or balance: an architect with a sense of proportion.
  7. the significance of a thing or event that an objective view reveals: You must try to see these mishaps in proportion.
  8. a relation of four quantities such that the first divided by the second is equal to the third divided by the fourth; the equality of ratios. Cf.
  9. analogy; comparison.
—v.t.
  1. to adjust in proper proportion or relation, as to size, quantity, etc.
  2. to balance or harmonize the proportions of.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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