Meaning & Definition of word "Proportional"
Proportional
/prəˈpɔːrʃənl/
adjective:
- 1. Having a constant ratio or relation in degree or number.
- Example: The area of the square is proportional to the square of the length of its side.
- 2. Corresponding in size or amount to something else.
- Example: The amount of tax you pay should be proportional to your income.
- 3. In mathematics, a variable that changes in relation to another variable.
- Example: The speed of the object is proportional to the force applied to it.
- 4. Consistent with a certain ratio or relationship.
- Example: The design of the building is proportional to its surroundings, making it aesthetically pleasing.
Etymology
●Middle English, from Old French 'proportionel', from Latin 'proportionalis', from 'proportio'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
proportional representation:
A voting system that allocates seats based on the percentage of votes each party receives.
proportionality principle:
The legal principle that the means used to achieve a goal should not be excessively disproportionate to that goal.
Related Words
proportion:
A part or share of a whole.
ratio:
A relationship between two quantities, often expressed as a fraction.
scale:
A proportion between the size of a representation and the size of the object it represents.