Proportion
/prəˈpɔːr.ʃən/noun
A relation between things in size, amount, or degree; a comparative balance or ratio.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from the same Latin source as *portion* and *apportion*, originally meaning a share or allotment before it became a mathematical idea of balanced relation.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
proportiō
“a comparative relation or ratio; proper symmetry”
Classical Latin
Latin
proportiōnem
“accusative form of proportiō, used for relation or symmetry”
Old French
Old French
proporcion
“relation, symmetry, proper arrangement”
Middle English
English
proporcion
“proper relation in size or degree; symmetry”
Modern English
English
proportion
“a ratio or balanced relation between parts”