What is proportion? Pronunciation and usage in English

proportion means . Learn how to pronounce and use proportion through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of proportion

proportionnoun

/prəˈpɔːʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of proportion

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "proportion" in English. It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • pro-: This part sounds like "pro" as in "problem" - /prɒ/ (rhymes with "bro")
  • por-: This is the trickiest part! It sounds like "pore" – /pɔːr/ (rhymes with "core")
  • tion: This is pronounced like "shun" – /ʃən/ (sh as in "shoe")

2. Putting it Together:

When you combine those sounds, you get: /prɒˈpɔːrʃən/

3. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: por-. You want to emphasize that syllable more than the first.
  • The "r" in "por": American English usually has a clear “r” sound in “por.” British English can sometimes soften it slightly.
  • The "sh" in "tion": Make sure the "sh" sound is clear at the end.

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are a few resources:

In short, try to say: “proh-POR-shun” (with the second syllable emphasized)

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a more detailed explanation of a specific part (like the ‘r’ sound)?

Usage and examples with the word proportion in English

Let's break down how to use the word "proportion" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so let's cover them all:

1. Ratio/Relative Size (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent use. It refers to the relative size or amount of things in relation to each other. It’s about how things compare.
  • How to use it: You often use it with numbers or percentages.
  • Examples:
    • "The proportion of apples to oranges in the basket is 2:3." (This means there are twice as many apples as oranges.)
    • "The proportion of women in the workforce has increased significantly over the past decade."
    • "The proportion of customers who prefer online shopping is growing."
    • "He adjusted the proportion of sugar and milk in the recipe." (He adjusted the amounts relative to each other.)

2. Proportionate (Adjective - Describing Something)

  • Meaning: Something that is in a suitable or appropriate proportion.
  • How to use it: It describes a situation, amount, or size.
  • Examples:
    • "The building's dimensions are proportionate to the surrounding landscape." (It looks right in terms of size.)
    • "She wore a proportionate dress that flattered her figure." (The dress fit her well and looked balanced.)
    • "The salary should be proportionate to the level of experience." (It should be fair based on experience.)

3. Proportionate to (Linking Verbs)

  • Meaning: This phrase indicates a correlation – something is related in a specific ratio or degree.
  • How to use it: Used with a noun or phrase.
  • Examples:
    • "The amount of rain is proportionate to the number of clouds." (More clouds = more rain.)
    • "The reward is proportionate to the effort." (More effort = bigger reward.)
    • “The increase in prices is proportionate to the increase in costs."

4. In Proportion (An Idiomatic Expression)

  • Meaning: This phrase means "in the correct ratio" or "in balance." It suggests that something is not out of alignment.
  • How to use it: Used as a statement.
  • Example: "Everything needs to be in proportion – we can’t focus on one thing to the exclusion of everything else."

5. (Less Common) Proportion (In Mathematics & Science)

  • Meaning: In these fields, “proportion” refers specifically to a mathematical ratio, often expressed as a fraction.
  • Example: "The ratio of hydrogen to oxygen in water is 2:1."

Tips for Using "Proportion" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Be specific: It's often helpful to clarify if you're referring to a ratio of numbers, a relationship between things, or the suitability of size.

Resources for Further Learning:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., business, art, science)?
  • Help you practice using "proportion" in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word proportion

Idioms of the word proportion

keep something in proportion
to react to something in a sensible way and not think it is worse or more serious than it really is
  • The problem of hooliganism should be kept in proportion. Only a small number of young people act in this way.
out of (all) proportion (to something)
larger, more serious, etc. in relation to something than is necessary or appropriate
  • They earn salaries out of all proportion to their ability.
  • The media have blown the incident up out of all proportion.

Practice with vocabulary proportion

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. A significant ______ of the budget was allocated to research and development.
  2. The city council debated the ideal student-teacher ______ for public schools.
  3. The ______ of data required for the analysis was much larger than anticipated.
  4. There has been a gradual ______ in the company's market share over the last quarter, prompting a strategic review.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The architect carefully considered the ______ of the building's windows to its walls, aiming for aesthetic balance. A) size B) dimension C) proportion D) measurement
  2. Which words can describe a part's relationship to a whole, or the relative amounts of different components? (Select all that apply) A) Ratio B) Fraction C) Proportion D) Majority
  3. A significant ______ of the project's success was attributed to effective team communication. (Select all that apply) A) segment B) portion C) percentage D) proportion
  4. The committee decided to ______ the budget for travel expenses in the upcoming fiscal year due to financial constraints. A) amplify B) curtail C) broaden D) augment
  5. To understand the full ______ of the problem, we need more comprehensive data from all stakeholders. A) scope B) periphery C) segment D) element

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. A large part of the company's revenue comes from overseas sales. (Rewrite using "proportion" or a related word form.)
  2. The number of students choosing STEM subjects has grown considerably over the last decade. (Rewrite using "proportion" or a related word form.)
  3. The research showed a big difference between the two groups' average scores. (Rewrite, but do not use "proportion" or related word forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. proportion
  2. proportion
  3. quantity (or amount/volume)
  4. decline (or reduction)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) proportion
  2. A) Ratio, B) Fraction, C) Proportion
  3. B) portion, C) percentage, D) proportion
  4. B) curtail
  5. A) scope

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. A large proportion of the company's revenue comes from overseas sales.
  2. The proportion of students choosing STEM subjects has grown considerably over the last decade.
  3. The research showed a significant discrepancy between the two groups' average scores.

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