Words / B2

pr-uh-PORSHUN/prəˈpɔːʃn/

Proportion is the size of a part compared with the whole: a large / small / high proportion of + plural noun. In proportion to means matching in scale; out of proportion means exaggerated. Percentage is a number out of 100; proportion is more general, and share is more informal. It is common in data commentary and essays.

Meaning

The size or amount of one part compared with the whole.

Examples

• “A large proportion of students walk to school.”
• “A high proportion of the budget goes on rent.”
• “The punishment seemed out of proportion to the mistake.”

Good to know

a proportion of + plural. in / out of proportion. Related: percentage (out of 100).

Near in meaning

share

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