proportional
UK[prəˈpɔːʃənəl]US[prəˈpɔːrʃənəl]
adj
Corresponding in size, amount, or degree; having a constant ratio.
adj
(of parts of a whole) Having the correct or appropriate relationship in size, number, or degree to each other.
Morpheme Breakdown
pro
portion
al
pro
portion
al
Etymology
The word "proportional" is built upon the Latin root portion-, meaning "share" or "part," which itself derives from the verb portio, "to share out." The prefix pro- intensifies the sense of the root, implying a "forward" or "forthright" relationship between parts. The suffix -al transforms the noun into an adjective. Thus, the literal construction "relating to a forthright share" evolved logically into the modern mathematical and relational sense of maintaining a constant or appropriate ratio between corresponding parts.
Analysis
Structure: pro + portion + al
- pro (Latin origin): A prefix meaning "forward, forth, in favor of, in place of."
- portion (Latin origin via French): The core element meaning "a part, share, or allotment."
- al (Latin origin): An adjectival suffix meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by."
Examples
The punishment should be proportional to the crime.
The map is drawn to a proportional scale.
There was a proportional increase in costs as sales grew.