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Definition of proportionless - 2 dictionary results

pro⋅por⋅tion

  [pruh-pawr-shuhn, -pohr-]
Use proportionless in a Sentence
–noun
1. comparative relation between things or magnitudes as to size, quantity, number, etc.; ratio.
2. proper relation between things or parts: to have tastes way out of proportion to one's financial means.
3. relative size or extent.
4. proportions, dimensions or size: a rock of gigantic proportions.
5. a portion or part in its relation to the whole: A large proportion of the debt remains.
6. symmetry, harmony, or balance: an architect with a sense of proportion.
7. the significance of a thing or event that an objective view reveals: You must try to see these mishaps in proportion.
8. Mathematics. a relation of four quantities such that the first divided by the second is equal to the third divided by the fourth; the equality of ratios. Compare rule of three.
9. Archaic. analogy; comparison.
–verb (used with object)
10. to adjust in proper proportion or relation, as to size, quantity, etc.
11. to balance or harmonize the proportions of.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME proporcio(u)n < L prōportiōn- (s. of prōportiō) symmetry, analogy. See pro- 1 , portion

Related forms:
pro⋅por⋅tion⋅er, noun
pro⋅por⋅tion⋅less, adjective

Synonyms:
1. comparison. 5. share. 6. distribution, arrangement. See symmetry. 10. regulate, arrange, balance, harmonize.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

proportion  (n.)
c.1380, "due relation of one part to another," from O.Fr. proportion (13c.), from L. proportionem (nom. proportio) "comparative relation, analogy," from phrase pro portione "according to the relation" (of parts to each other), from pro "for" + abl. of *partio "division," related to pars (see part). Meaning "size or extent" is recorded from 1390. The verb "to adjust or regulate the proportions of" is attested from 1380. Phrase out of proportion first attested 1710.
"My fortunes [are] as ill proportioned as your legs." [John Marston, "Antonio and Mellida," 1602]
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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