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Proportional - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Proportional means corresponding in size or amount relative to something else. If one quantity increases, the other changes at a constant rate, maintaining a balanced relationship.

proportional

/prəˈpɔːrʃənəl/ /prəˈpɔːʃənəl/

Definition:

Corresponding in size or amount relative to something else.

Synonyms:

commensurate, corresponding, relative, equivalent

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

disproportionate, unequal, uneven

Common Collocations:

proportional relationship, proportional representation, proportional increase

Derivatives:

proportionally, proportionality

Usage Tips:

Use "proportional" to describe a balanced relationship between two quantities or parts.

Common Phrases:

in proportion to, directly proportional to, inversely proportional to

Etymology:

From Latin "proportio," meaning "comparative relation," via Old French "proportion."

Examples:

  • 1. The rent is proportional to the size of the apartment.
  • 2. Her salary increase was proportional to her performance.
  • 3. The graph shows a proportional rise in temperature over time.
  • 4. Punishment should be proportional to the crime committed.

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