Skip to content

proportion

proportion

noun proh-por-SYOHN Rare
Numbers & Measures Mathematics

Origin: Latin 'proportio'

Also means

ratio

Usage Note

Proportion is used in mathematics, art, and everyday speech to express the relative size or share of something. The plural les proportions describes the scale or dimensions of something (des proportions impressionnantes — impressive dimensions). The phrase en proportion de means 'in proportion to', and hors de proportion means 'out of proportion'.

Examples

"Les proportions de ce bâtiment sont harmonieuses."

Natural Translation

The proportions of this building are harmonious.

Explore French by topic