prəˈpɔ:ʃən n. & v. --n. 1 a a
comparative part or share (a
large proportion of
the profits). b a comparative
ratio (the proportion of births to deaths). 2 the
correct or pleasing
relation of things or parts of a
thing (the
house has fine proportions; exaggerated
out of
all proportion). 3 (in pl.) dimensions; size (large proportions). 4
Math. a an
equality of ratios
between two pairs of quantities, e.g. 3:5
and 9:15. b a set of
such quantities. c Math. =
rule of
three; see
also direct proportion,
inverse proportion. --v.tr. (usu. foll. by to)
make (a thing etc.)
proportionate (must proportion the
punishment to the crime). øin proportion 1 by the
same factor. 2
without exaggerating (importance etc.) (must
get the facts in proportion). øøproportioned adj. (also in comb.). proportionless adj. proportionment n. [ME f. OF proportion or L proportio (as
PRO-(1), PORTION)]