proportion
gb/pɹəpˈɔɹʃən/ us/pɹəpˈɔɹʃən/
A2
English
~ 1300
arány, hányad, részarány, arányosság, proporció, rész
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
the proportion of [something] to [something]
A large proportion of the budget is spent on salaries.
A költségvetés jelentős hányadát fizetésekre költik.
Only a small proportion of the population supports the policy.
A lakosságnak csak kis hányada támogatja az intézkedést.
The proportion of men to women in the class is about equal.
In this recipe, the proportion of sugar to flour is two to one.
Learner examples
A large proportion of the class is absent.
Az osztály nagy része hiányzik.
Half is a large proportion of the cake.
A torta fele nagy résznek számít.
The proportion of boys to girls is equal.
We need the right proportion of milk and water.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'proportion' with 'portion'. 'Portion' means a part or serving, while 'proportion' is about the relationship between parts and the whole.
Meaning
relative amount or size
Collocations
large proportion
|small proportion
|high proportion
|proportion of students
|in proportion
|out of proportion
Synonyms
ratio (Mathematical term often used for numerical comparison; 'proportion' can be broader.)
Antonyms
imbalance (Refers to a lack of correct or equal proportions.)
Themes
mathematics
|measurement
|statistics
|core_vocabulary
|science
Definition
How much one thing is compared to another thing or to the whole.
The relationship between the size, amount, or number of one thing and that of another or to the whole.
NOUN
B2
2
Usage pattern:
in proportion to [something]
The artist captured the human body in perfect proportion.
A művész tökéletes arányokkal ábrázolta az emberi testet.
This building’s proportions make it very pleasing to the eye.
Az épület arányai nagyon kellemesek a szemnek.
Her facial features are in good proportion.
Learner examples
The table has good proportion.
Az asztalnak jók az arányai.
The house is in proportion with the garden.
A ház mérete arányban áll a kert méretével.
His drawing is out of proportion.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'symmetry' when they mean 'proportion', especially in design contexts.
Meaning
balanced arrangement of parts
Collocations
perfect proportion
|keep in proportion
|out of proportion
|good proportions
|architectural proportions
Synonyms
symmetry (Focuses more on exact mirroring, whereas proportion is about relative balance.)
Antonyms
distortion (Implies an incorrect or unpleasant change in proportions.)
Themes
art
|design
|architecture
|core_vocabulary
|arts_entertainment
Definition
The way parts of something fit together in a balanced and nice way.
The correct or pleasing relationship between parts of something in terms of size, shape, or amount.
NOUN
A2
3
Usage pattern:
a proportion of [something]
A fair proportion of the profits will go to charity.
A nyereség méltányos része jótékony célra megy.
She spends a large proportion of her time traveling for work.
Idejének nagy részét munka miatti utazással tölti.
Only a small proportion of applicants were accepted.
Learner examples
A small proportion of students passed the test.
A diákok kis része ment át a vizsgán.
I eat a large proportion of fruit every day.
Minden nap nagy adag gyümölcsöt eszem.
A fair proportion of money goes to food.
Meaning
part or share of a whole
Collocations
a fair proportion
|a small proportion
|a large proportion
Synonyms
fraction (More mathematical and precise; 'proportion' can be more general.)
Antonyms
whole (Refers to the complete amount, not a part.)
Themes
business
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A part or amount compared to the total.
A part, share, or amount that is considered in relation to a whole.
Grammar
Dictionary form
proportion
IPA
GB/pɹəpˈɔɹʃən/
US/pɹəpˈɔɹʃən/
Syllables & stress
pro - por - tion (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (por)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: proportion
- Plural: proportion, proportions
Word family
Forms
proportions
noun
Core family
proportional
adjective B2
proportionally
adverb C1
Related words
proportionate
adjective
proportionately
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
disproportionate
adjective C1
disproportionately
adverb
Advanced or less common
proportionality
noun C1
Expressions
blow out of proportion
1/blˈoʊ ˈaʊt əv pɹəpˈɔɹʃən/
idiom
informal
exaggerate importance or seriousness
To make something seem bigger, worse, or more important than it really is.
Examples
- The argument was blown out of proportion by social media.
- Don’t blow this mistake out of proportion.
in proportion to
1/ˈɪn pɹəpˈɔɹʃən tə/
fixed phrase
matching in degree or ratio to something else
Having an amount, size, or level that matches something else.
Examples
- Your salary will be in proportion to your experience.
- Punishment should be in proportion to the crime.
out of proportion
1/ˈaʊt əv pɹəpˈɔɹʃən/
fixed phrase
not matching in size or importance appropriately
Too big, too small, or too important compared to something else.
Examples
- His reaction was out of proportion to the problem.
- The media coverage was blown out of proportion.