Proportion Meaning
Proportion Definition & Usage
A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.
Examples
- "The proportion of students who passed the exam was higher this year."
- "He had a small proportion of the inheritance compared to his siblings."
- "The proportion of red to green in the painting was perfectly balanced."
- "The proportion of men to women in the workforce has changed over the last decade."
- "The city has seen a significant increase in the proportion of young professionals moving in."
The correct or harmonious relationship of parts to each other or to the whole, especially in art, architecture, and design.
Examples
- "The proportion of the building's windows to its walls was carefully designed."
- "In art, proportion is key to achieving visual harmony in a composition."
- "The designer paid attention to the proportion of each element in the product's design."
- "The proportion of the body in this sculpture is exaggerated for artistic effect."
- "The balance between the sizes of different objects in the room gave the interior a sense of proportion."
To adjust or regulate something so that it is in appropriate relation to something else.
Examples
- "The artist proportioned the figures so they fit perfectly within the frame."
- "She proportioned the ingredients to ensure the recipe was balanced."
- "The architect proportioned the windows to allow for maximum natural light."
- "They need to proportion the budget more effectively to ensure all departments are funded."
- "The team must proportion their time between practice and rest to perform at their best."
Cultural Context
The word 'proportion' comes from the Latin 'proportio', meaning 'a comparative relation'. It is used in many fields, including art, architecture, mathematics, and social sciences, to describe balance, symmetry, and relationships between elements. The concept of proportion has been crucial to aesthetic principles since ancient times, particularly in the creation of classical sculptures and architecture.
The Proportions of Life
Story
The Proportions of Life
One rainy afternoon, Lily and her father sat in their living room, looking at an old painting of a city skyline. Her father, an architect, had always emphasized the importance of proportion in his work. As they gazed at the painting, he explained, 'Look at how the buildings are balanced. The taller structures are perfectly proportioned against the smaller ones. It's all about finding harmony in the elements.' Lily, curious, asked, 'Do you think the proportions in life are like that too? Like, how much work versus how much rest?' Her father smiled, realizing that his daughter was connecting their conversation to more than just art and architecture. 'Yes, exactly. In life, everything has to be in proportion. If you work too much and don't rest enough, or vice versa, things feel out of balance.' He went on to explain how he had to proportion the time he spent on his projects carefully, ensuring that each task was given the right amount of attention. He also talked about the proportion of happiness to stress in a person's life, noting that both should be considered to lead a fulfilling existence. As they spoke, Lily reflected on how often she'd seen people in their town trying to proportion their time between their careers, families, and personal interests. Everyone seemed to be searching for that perfect balance. 'It’s not always easy,' she said. 'But I guess that's why we have to keep adjusting, just like in design.' Her father nodded, 'Exactly. Life is a work in progress, always adjusting, always finding the right proportion.'
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