proportion
Definitions
A part or share considered in relation to the whole
比例；部分；份额
The relationship in size, amount, or degree between two or more things
比；相称关系
Correct or pleasing balance between parts (often plural: proportions)
均衡，匀称；（复数）大小，规模
To make something correspond in size or amount to something else
使成比例；使相称
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpro- ('for, according to') + portion (a share, from Latin partīrī 'to share out') = 'each according to its share.' Proportion is how shares relate to one another — the size of one part measured against another or against the whole.
Why It Means This
Proportion belongs to the part family (share, divide), not to the look-alike carry-root port. Its core is the relationship between shares, which is why the idioms all turn on balance: 'in proportion to' (matched share for share), 'out of proportion' (shares no longer fit), and 'a sense of proportion' (knowing how big each part should be).
Common Collocations
- 1.a large proportion很大一部分
- 2.in proportion to与……成比例
- 3.out of proportion不成比例，过度
- 4.sense of proportion分寸感，均衡感
Example Sentences
- 1.
A large proportion of the budget goes to salaries.
- 2.
The punishment seems out of proportion to the crime.
- 3.
Mix the paint in proportion to the amount of water.
- 4.
The artist has a keen sense of proportion.